11 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Grubs in Garden

Many gardeners have experienced the frustration of discovering white grubs feeding beneath their plants.

White grubs are root-eating pests. They live underground and feed on roots. As they grow, they turn into beetles. Some of those beetles later feed on plant leaves and flowers [1].

Finding these pests in your soil can be frustrating for any gardener. They primarily feed on turfgrass roots, but heavy infestations can sometimes damage ornamental plants, flowers, and certain garden crops.

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 manage and reduce grub populations without harming your plants.

Identification

Grubs are the larval stage of certain beetles. While a few grubs are usually not a problem, large populations can seriously damage lawns, flowers, vegetables, and ornamental plants.

Many species feed on plant roots as larvae. Some later emerge as adult beetles that feed on leaves, flowers, or fruits.

So, large populations should be controlled before serious root damage occurs.

What Causes Grubs?

Grub infestations begin when adult beetles lay eggs in the soil. Lawns and gardens with moist soil are often more attractive to egg-laying beetles.

Once the eggs hatch, the larvae begin feeding on roots beneath the soil surface.

Signs of Grubs

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

Moles love to eat grubs. If you see lots of mole activity, there may be many grubs in the soil.

Finding roughly 5 to 10 or more grubs per square foot may suggest a population large enough to warrant treatment. This is especially important if you already see visible damage to the lawn.

These signs may also suggest that grubs are present in other areas of your landscape, including nearby garden beds.

Life Cycle

Adult beetles lay eggs in the soil during summer [2]. The eggs hatch into grubs, which feed on roots for several months.

When cold weather arrives, they move deeper into the soil. In spring, they return to the surface, become adult beetles, and restart the cycle.

How to Get Rid of White Grubs Naturally

Natural grub treatments work best in late summer and early fall because young grubs feed close to the soil surface then.

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

Some species of 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. Spray your yard and garden thoroughly to release them.

Apply them during the cooler parts of the day. 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 most commonly used to detect grub populations by driving them closer to the soil surface. While it may allow some grubs to be removed by hand, it is not considered an effective stand-alone control method.

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.

However, avoid applying strong soap solutions to sensitive plants, as they may cause leaf burn.

3. Milky Spore

Milky spore can be highly effective against Japanese beetle grubs in some regions, especially over the long term [3]. However, it is effective only against Japanese beetle grubs and may not control other grub species.

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

Birds and chickens are among the most effective natural predators of grubs.

Encourage insect-eating birds by providing water sources, nesting sites, and bird-friendly habitat.

Chickens and some birds will scratch through the soil looking for grubs and other insects. One downside is that they may also eat helpful insects.

5. Other Natural Predators

Many beneficial creatures help keep grub populations under control. Ground beetles, rove beetles, ants, toads, and certain parasitic insects feed on grubs or their eggs.

You can attract these helpful predators by maintaining a diverse garden. Use mulch, native plants, flowering herbs, and create areas of natural habitat.

Also, avoid broad-spectrum pesticides whenever possible. They can kill beneficial insects along with pests, which is not ideal for a healthy ecosystem.

Natural predators might not completely eliminate a severe infestation, but they can reduce grub numbers.

6. Improve Soil Health

Healthy soil supports beneficial organisms that can help keep pest populations in balance. Adding compost and organic matter helps attract a mix of microbes and beneficial insects.

Healthy plants with strong root systems are also better able to recover from minor grub feeding damage.

7. Neem Oil

Neem oil works better against adult beetles than against grubs underground. By keeping beetles away, fewer eggs may be laid in your yard.

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.

Neem products are usually better at disrupting beetle feeding and reproduction. They are less effective at killing lawn grubs that are already in the soil.

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

8. 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. However, because grubs spend most of their lives below the soil surface, DE often provides only limited control.

To apply, dust a little onto the soil around your plants. This treatment may help reduce some soil pests in dry conditions.

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 coats plant surfaces with a fine clay film that may discourage feeding and egg-laying by some adult beetles.

To use this grub control treatment, follow the package directions.

11. Limit Irrigation

Many beetles prefer moist soil when laying eggs, which can contribute to higher grub populations.

So, avoid excessive irrigation during egg-laying periods.

Common Grub Species

The most common lawn and garden grubs include:

• Japanese beetle grubs
• June beetle grubs
• European chafer grubs
• Masked chafer grubs

These species feed on plant roots during their larval stage before developing into adult beetles.

Tips to Prevent Grubs

• Avoid excessive irrigation during beetle egg-laying season.
• Mow lawns at the recommended height for your grass type.
• Maintain healthy soil with compost and organic matter.
• Encourage birds and beneficial insects.
• Monitor adult beetle populations during summer.
• Overseed and repair thin lawn areas promptly.

FAQ

Do grubs bite humans?

No. Grubs do not bite or sting people.

Are all grubs harmful?

No. Some beetle larvae help break down organic matter.

When should grubs be treated?

Late summer and early fall are usually the best times.

Can a lawn recover from grub damage?

Yes. Lawns with minor to moderate grub damage often recover when the infestation is managed.

Proper watering, fertilization, and general lawn care can help damaged grass recover once the infestation is under control.

Will grubs kill plants?

A heavy white grub infestation can damage roots and weaken or kill grass and some plants.

Takeaway

Grubs can cause problems in lawns and gardens, especially when there are a lot of them. Luckily, natural methods such as beneficial nematodes, birds, healthy soil, and other helpful predators can reduce grub numbers.

By checking your yard regularly and using these natural solutions, you can protect your plants and keep your garden healthy.