I always wanted to own a house with a lawn where I could do yoga or relax with my morning cuppa!
A few years ago, I finally ended up getting a house with a lawn and I work day and night to ensure it remains green and fresh. However, this has led to my finding out the downsides of having a lawn.
Lawn grubs were something I was not prepared for. I am already a bit scared of adult beetles, and just the thought of the larva version eating up my lawn sends shivers down my spine. However, it was something I needed to be ready to tackle.
Hi! My name is Stacy, and if you, too, are new to facing lawn grubs, don’t stop reading. I have put together some information on the best lawn grub killer, so that you are ready when the time comes.
Top 5 Lawn Grub Killer Reviews
1. Scotts GrubEX1 99605
Scotts is a brand I’ve used quite frequently for the maintenance of my lawn. It provides high-quality products that are highly effective. Given its reputation, I was excited to try this grub killer.
Product Highlights
Since I was trying this product by Scotts for the first time, I did not want to buy a large bag. This was not a problem since the GrubEx 99605 comes in two variants - 5000 sq. ft and 10,000 sq. ft.
It was impressive that this grub killer could provide protection against the larvae of multiple insects. These include Japanese beetles, Asiatic garden beetles, oriental beetles, and many more. Additionally, this is far better than the original GrubEx as it covers 25% more insects. Just one application can protect the lawn for about four months (if it doesn’t, you get your money back).
Moreover, it is also quite easy to apply and can be added by hand or a mechanical spreader. Since grubs feed on the roots, applying this can ensure that the root is not damaged, strengthening the lawn.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was impressed with how effective this bag of grub killer is. To compare the times I didn’t use this versus when I did, I realized how fast it gets rid of grubs and keeps the lawn strong. Even the application was quite easy as I used the Scotts spreader to lay it down.
Although it is supposed to be used as a preventative measure, I could see many dead grubs within 2-3 days when I applied and watered it.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
There is no doubt that this grub killer works, as I could see the difference it made in just a few days. However, I was slightly disappointed with the packaging. The box it came in was quite flimsy, and I was in constant fear that it would tear open. However, as I emptied the bag out, it was able to hold its own.
Pros and Cons of Scotts GrubEX1 99605
Pros
Cons
- Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer can help prevent turf damage by killing grubs when they are young
- One application of this lawn care treatment kills and prevents grubs for up to 4 months
- This grub killer also controls caterpillars (armyworm), chinchbugs, May/June beetles, and more (as listed), and can help control Japanese beetle infestations when applied annually
2. Ortho Home Defense 0167410 Insect Killer
Next on the list is this grub killer by Ortho. Ortho’s Home Defense 0167410 is a great product to have for regular lawn maintenance since it is effective and is available in multiple sizes.
Product Highlights
Maintaining a lawn is more than just watering it. Depending on where you live, there are many bugs to look out for to minimize lawn damage. Hence, the best thing would be to use Ortho’s Home Defense because it protects against a variety of grubs and adult bugs.
If you are worried about fleas, ticks, or crickets coming into the house from the lawn, that ends now! This insect killer ensures these bugs are killed outside the home. This is possible because you will be creating a bug barrier using the granules around the house that will not let them enter.
Additionally, spreading these granules is pretty straightforward too. All you need to do is distribute it in an overlapping pattern on the lawn, water it and let it do its magic.
What’s There To Like About It?
When my son got a bag of Home Defense for me, I was apprehensive about how much it will cover. But the 10 lbs bag lasted me quite a while as it took a little less than 4 lbs to cover my whole lawn.
Moreover, I needed a product that I could use without worrying about harming the dogs. Thankfully, Home Defense is pet friendly, provided that pets enter after the granules have been watered and dried.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
While this managed to kill grubs and keep a lot of bugs out, it didn’t work on the bugs under the house. The barrier kept the ones in the lawn out of the house, but the ones already under the house still entered. It is not a massive issue however, just something to be wary of.
Pros and Cons of Ortho Home Defense 0167410 Insect Killer
Pros
Cons
- Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Lawns Granules is an outdoor insect killer that kills ants, ticks, fleas, spiders and centipedes in your lawn before they can come inside your home, and creates a bug barrier to keep them out
- FAST ACTING: Starts creating a bug barrier within minutes to kill listed outdoor bugs in your lawn, on ornamentals and flowers, and around your home's foundation
- LONG-LASTING CONTROL: Kill outdoor pests before they come into your home for up to 3 months, including listed ants, ticks, and spiders (see product label for complete lists of pests)
3. BioAdvanced 700740M Grub Killer Plus
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Another product that I would recommend you to try is the 700740M Grub Killer Plus by BioAdvanced. This is one super fast killer that can cover a large area in one go and make the lawn grub-free within a day.
Product Highlights
No one likes to wait around for too long, especially when the lawn quality is at stake. If you want to see fast results, this is definitely going to be of interest. The BioAdvanced 700740M Grub Killer Plus has a formula that can get rid of grubs within 24 hours.
In addition to grubs, it is also effective on other common bugs like ants, ticks, crickets, and more. One application of this will definitely make the lawn free of all sorts of bugs. Speaking of application, it is pretty straightforward as you can use any rotary or drop spreader.
Another great thing is that it comes in a 10 lbs bag that can cover up to 5,000 square feet. Additionally, I suggest using it at the first sign of a grub infestation for it to work at its best.
What’s There To Like About It?
The fast-acting formula was definitely one of the things that stood out for me. There is nothing better than knowing that the product you’ve applied is guaranteed to show results the following day. Plus, it can help keep ants and ticks out of the house as well.
Moreover, the product is safe for the environment and people, so there is no chance of toxins seeping in, especially when used in vegetable gardens.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
This grub killer is a highly recommended product if you’re looking for fast results. However, there is one thing to remember. It is not recommended for hand spreading since it can react with the skin. I advise buying a spreader and using proper gloves when applying this. Post application and drying, there are no harmful effects.
Pros and Cons of BioAdvanced 700740M Grub Killer Plus
Pros
Cons
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4. Roundup 4385404 Bug Destroyer
My neighbor, Angie, told me about this brand and how it had helped her lawn. Intrigued by her excitement, I decided to try it out too. Roundup 4385404 is an excellent product for lawn care as it targets 100+ bugs.
Product Highlights
The first thing that I noticed was that it has a list of more than 100 insects, including grubs, that it targets. These granules are pretty strong, and it only takes one application to provide sufficient protection. Additionally, these work below and above the soil, killing anything but the lawn in its path.
Moreover, once used, you will not have to apply this for at least three months. As I mentioned before, this will not harm the lawn, including ornamental and flower gardens.
It is also quite convenient that the application is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is use a spreader to apply it evenly on the entire lawn and spray it with water. After that, you wait and let it work its magic on the lawn.
What’s There To Like About It?
One of the things that I loved was that it’s clear and accurate about the three-month duration. Not only did it give me a timeline to follow, but I knew exactly when to re-apply to ensure that the grubs did not come back.
In addition, since I had a Scotts spreader, it was easy for me to apply it. The bugs in my lawn and house noticeably decreased after application.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
One of the things I found quite odd was the quantity of the grub killer. This 10 lbs bag can only effectively cover 2500 square feet of area, which is half of what most other competitors offer. Moreover, proper gear is needed when using this as there is a chance it can be a bit toxic to the skin.
Pros and Cons of Roundup 4385404 Bug Destroyer
Pros
Cons
- Kills 100+ listed insects by contact and keeps on killing for up to 3 months
- Kills insects above and below the lawn's surface, including ants, spiders, fleas, ticks, white grubs, sod webworms and cutworms
- For residential lawns, landscaped areas, and ornamental and flower garden use
5. Bonide BND60360 Insect & Grub Control Granules
Next on this list is the Bonide Insect & Grub Killer. This was also highly recommended by Angie as her son had used this and spoke of it in high regard. It is yet another fast-acting grub killer that will protect the lawn thoroughly.
Product Highlights
Upon reading about this product, I was impressed to see that this performs a dual-action. The formula includes a fast-acting agent, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, in combination with Imidacloprid. Together, they kill the grubs and insects in the soil and add a protective layer for upto three months.
Additionally, it targets the grub and insects not just in the soil but on the surface also ensuring that the formula performs a thorough clean. I was also glad to know that the application is fairly simple too. Interestingly, this grub killer can be spread around the house like a barrier or be mixed in the soil using a spreader.
What’s There To Like About It?
I really appreciated the fact that this adds a protective layer to the soil. This way, I know the grubs are dying, and there is less chance of new ones coming in before the next batch is applied. Additionally, it can be used to build a barrier, which is always helpful.
Plus, it is pet-friendly and not harmful for people either. The only thing is to make sure it has thoroughly dried after watering.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
Since it is quite an effective grub killer, I was disappointed to see that it is a tiny bag. This means I would have to buy more of it to cover my lawn. Moreover, the smell can be overpowering for some. But since I have had my fair share of bad-smelling garden products, it was okay for me.
Pros and Cons of Bonide BND60360 Insect & Grub Control Granules
Pros
Cons
- INSECT KILLER - This pest control is great for use on species of ant, cricket, chinch bug, billbug, cutworm, earwig, flea, roach, grub, sod webworm, tick and other listed species of bug.
- PROTECT YOUR LAWN AND HOME - Insect and Grub Control is designed for fast acting, long lasting control from invading species. Use outdoors, on lawns and around the foundation of the house. Not for indoor use.
- TOP TO BOTTOM PROTECTION - Product offers complete insect control for the soil and surface of your yard. It will kill insects both above and below the surface of your lawn.
Buyers Guide
Now that I am done talking about the 5 best lawn grub killers, let’s move on to why these stand out from the rest. Buying a grub killer is not as easy as it may seem since there are quite a few factors that need to be considered. If you are confused about what those factors might be, I am here to tell you just that.
It is important that the grub killer you pick kills the bugs but does not harm the lawn in the process. Read on below to determine what factors you need to look out for in this short buying guide.
1. Type
The first and foremost thing to decide is whether you want to get a liquid or granular type. They both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to choose wisely.
a. Liquid
If you are looking for something faster in terms of application, then the liquid variant is the way to go. The options in the market will be either concentrated and ready-to-use. The ready-to-use ones are quite self-explanatory, and the concentrated ones need to be diluted and connected to a hose before use.
Either way, whichever you pick, they both provide fast application and can cover the area quickly. With these, the grubs and insects die instantly on contact with the spray. The only thing is that even though these are effective, they can’t be sprayed over large areas as there is a high risk of uneven patching. They are also not very safe for pets and kids.
b. Granular
This is the other type of grub killer and the type I have reviewed. They are a bit more common and preferred since they can be applied like a fertilizer directly. Although some of them take time, many can kill the grubs and insects within 24 hours.
This type is preferred for larger spaces since the spread is more even. However, the issue is that if it has the wrong balance of chemicals, it can be detrimental to the lawn.
2. Dual Action
I may have mentioned time and again that lawns can be affected with more than just grubs. So, it is crucial to make sure you have everything to keep it protected. The best way to do this would be to buy a grub killer that can target more than just grubs.
All the ones provided in my review do not target just the grubs but also insects like ants, fleas, ticks, sod worms, etc. The idea is to buy something that can get rid of multiple things at once.
Since we are on the topic of dual actions, it will also help to find something that kills grubs and provides protection to the soil.
3. Active Ingredients
This is also another essential factor since certain active ingredients perform specific functions. If you want a grub killer that is fast-acting and effective, then look for ingredients like Imidacloprid, Trichlorfon, or Dylox.
These three are quite famous for killing not just grubs but also insects in less than 24 hours. Plus, these ingredients ensure there are no grubs for at least 2-3 months.
4. Chemical vs. Organic
As most things go, organic alternatives to any chemical product are far better overall. Even when it comes to insecticides and grub killers, any product with organic ingredients will be safe and efficient. And while they will work, the action may not be as fast and strong as chemical insecticides.
In such cases, chemical insecticides are better since they cover almost any and every insect and grub. Plus, certain active ingredients will ensure the job is done in about 24 hours. However, I would advise you to use this cautiously as too much can kill beneficial insects like earthworms or bees.
5. Killer vs. Preventer
If your lawn is already infested, having a preventer will not harm the existing grubs. Similarly, a grub killer will kill but not protect the lawn from more grubs.
The best way to go about it is to buy a 2-in-1 type to kill and prevent further infestations. Products like these are usually quite effective in killing grubs at a very early stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are times when grubs can affect lawns without visible damage, and so, it can be challenging to know if the lawn has grubs. However, if chunks of the grass can be pulled out easily and without effort, then chances are that the lawn has grubs.
Additionally, it becomes easier to notice that the lawn is affected by grubs during the summer. If there is discoloration or thinning of the grass, then grubs may have a role to play in this.
It is no secret that grubs can affect flowers and vegetables too. This is why it is essential to protect your flower and veggie garden. When buying a grub killer for this type of garden, I would recommend going for something organic since chemical ones will spoil them.
Not always! If the lawn has a few grubs here and there, then the chances are that it won’t cause any trouble. Grubs are a common occurrence during the summer, so it is not something to be concerned about at all times.
However, if there is visible damage or you can see more grubs than usual, that is when the grub killer will come in handy. Not only will you have to kill the existing ones but ensure no new grubs come as well.
My Final Recommendation
And there you have it, my review of the best lawn grub killer available in the market. These are highly popular and recommended by many lawn care enthusiasts.Â
All of these products work great, in my opinion. However, I am slightly partial towards two of them. If you are looking to create a barrier, I would recommend using Ortho’s Home Defense 0167410. It is highly efficient and can last a very long time. Plus, it is pet-friendly.
However, if you are looking for immediate results, I suggest going for No products found.. It does a thorough clean and ensures no grubs and insects are hiding in the soil.
And, on that note, I shall say goodbye and be back soon. Until next time!