11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Grubs in Garden

Many gardeners have dealt with the irritation of finding grubs in the soil among their plants.

White grubs are root-eating pests. Many eventually develop into beetles, some of which feed on plant leaves and flowers [1].

Finding these pests in your soil can be frustrating for any gardener. They mainly feed on grass roots but may also damage ornamental plants, flowers, and some garden crops when populations are high.

If you’re reading this, you likely want natural ways to reduce grub problems in your garden. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural methods to rid your garden of them without harming your plants.

Identification

Grubs are the larval stage of certain beetles. However, large grub populations can be especially harmful to your garden and lawn.

They feed on the roots of your plants and, later in life, chew on the leaves of your crops. So, large populations should be controlled before serious root damage occurs.

Signs of Grubs

Droopy leaves and patches of dying grass may mean there’s a grub problem. Increased mole activity can also be a sign.

Moles tunnel where grubs are abundant because they eat them. If you notice these signs, check your lawn for grubs.

If you pull back a section of grass and find around 5 to 10 grubs per square foot, you may have an infestation that requires treatment. These signs may also indicate that grubs are present elsewhere in your landscape, including nearby garden beds.

How to Get Rid of Grubs Naturally

Natural grub treatments are usually most effective in late summer and early fall. This timing is key because young grubs are actively feeding near the soil surface during this period.

However, some beetle larvae are beneficial decomposers [2]. Treatment is usually only needed when grub populations become excessive.

Below are some of the best organic solutions and home remedies for white grub control.

1. Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes can help control grubs in your vegetable garden, flower beds, and lawns. They search for various soil-dwelling pests and kill them.

You can buy beneficial nematodes online or at many garden centers. Soak them in water on the sponge they come on.

Next, put them into a sprayer attached to a hose, then thoroughly spray your yard and garden to release them. Apply them during the cooler parts of the day and keep the soil moist afterward for best results.

Once infected by the nematodes, grubs usually die within several days.

2. Soap and Water

A soap-and-water mixture is sometimes used to force grubs to the soil surface, making them easier to remove by hand. However, it is usually ineffective against severe infestations.

Mix three tablespoons of organic liquid soap with a gallon of water for a homemade grub treatment. Spray the soapy water solution on the infested lawn or soil.

This method mainly flushes grubs upward rather than killing them.

3. Milky Spore

Milky spore can be highly effective against Japanese beetle grubs in some regions, especially over the long term [3].

Once applied in your garden, this naturally occurring bacterium will not harm you or your plants.

Read the package instructions carefully to learn how to apply the product correctly.

4. Birds and Chickens

In our opinion, the best grub-worm killers are birds and chickens.

Set up bird feeders or a chicken coop. Chickens and some birds will peck and forage in the soil for anything, including beetle grubs.

One drawback is that they may also eat beneficial insects.

5. Improve Soil Health

Healthy soil supports helpful organisms that can naturally reduce grub populations over time. Adding compost and organic matter can also improve soil biodiversity and plant resilience.

6. Neem Oil

Neem oil may help repel some beetles and reduce egg-laying activity in the garden. It is very popular among organic gardeners as a natural pest-control remedy.

Create a natural beetle-repellent spray by mixing:

• 2 tablespoons of neem oil
• 2 teaspoons of liquid soap
• 1 gallon of water

Stir well before use.

Use the spray on plants to help keep beetles away. You can also apply it to your lawn.

You can find neem oil at a reasonable price online or at select retail gardening stores.

7. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Food-grade diatomaceous earth may help reduce grubs and other garden pests when applied to dry soil surfaces. Moreover, it is pet-friendly and safe to use both indoors and in vegetable gardens.

The product will dry out insects, dehydrating them to death. To apply, dust a little onto the soil around your plants.

This treatment may help reduce some soil pests in dry conditions. However, it is usually less effective against deeply buried grubs.

8. Garlic Spray

Garlic spray may help discourage certain garden pests. However, its effectiveness against underground grubs is limited.

Still, some gardeners use it as part of a broader natural pest-control strategy. Just purée 4 garlic bulbs with 1 cup of water. Next, let it sit overnight.

Afterward, strain the solution and apply it around your garden beds and potted plants.

9. Bt galleriae (Btg)

Bt galleriae is a naturally occurring soil bacterium. It is used to help control white grubs and certain beetles.

Btg products, such as grubGONE! G, are specifically designed to target beetle larvae. These differ from some organic sprays that mainly target surface insects.

For best results, apply it when grubs are young and actively feeding, usually in late summer or early fall. Follow the package directions carefully for application.

10. Surround WP

Surround WP is made from modified kaolin clay.

It’s a natural product that may help reduce future white grub infestations. It does not kill grubs directly but may discourage egg-laying adult beetles.

To use this treatment, follow the package directions.

11. Limit Irrigation

These white larvae thrive in moist soil. So, limiting the amount of water flowing into your garden or over your lawn may help reduce grub populations.

Tips to Prevent Grubs

• Avoid overwatering lawns.
• Keep grass healthy but not overfertilized.
• Encourage birds and beneficial insects.
• Monitor for adult beetles during summer.

What Causes Grubs?

Adult beetles lay eggs in the soil during warm months.

After hatching, the larvae feed on grass roots and underground organic matter. Then, they mature into beetles over time.

Takeaway

The grub issue can be a significant challenge for gardeners and farmers alike. There are many ways to tackle it, so selecting the most effective method can be difficult.

However, by combining several natural control methods and regularly monitoring your lawn, you can successfully manage grub populations and reduce future damage.