Grub Control Northern Lower - Ask Extension
Hi. Looking for current guidance on grub control for Otsego co. We are trying to address ground mole activity by targeting grubs, but we have pets to ...
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Grub Control Northern Lower #864591
Asked April 15, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
Hi. Looking for current guidance on grub control for Otsego co. We are trying to address ground mole activity by targeting grubs, but we have pets to consider as well. Late last spring we applied GrubEx with some success. We also have an unusually high amount of earwhigs and in June/July what we thought we’d June bugs. Have read your 2020 article, but products have changed. Also wondering about the timing. We want to address at right time but a little uncertain about activating our irrigation system quite yet. Would appreciate any resources or guidance you might be able to provide.
Otsego County Michigan
Expert Response
Let's address the mole problem first. There are two types of moles active in Michigan: eastern moles and star-nosed moles. The eastern mole is the mole that creates tunnels just below the lawn surface all over the place. The star-nosed mole is the mole that forms the big piles or volcanoes of soil on the surface from soil in deeper tunnels. Moles do not hibernate; they just use deeper tunnels during the winter. In the spring, as the soil warms up they are mating, giving birth and seeking food for their young. They eat mostly earthworms and some grubs, rarely plant roots or bulbs (mice & squirrels). Eliminating grubs will not guarantee elimination of moles as their favorite food is earthworms. More info in the attached links:
Moles in the Lawn-MSU
Who's Digging in my Yard-MSU - eastern & star nosed moles
https://extension.psu.edu/moles
https://blogs.cornell.edu/nysipm/2020/10/14/dealing-with-mole-problems-in-turfgrass/
How to Control Moles-SG-MSU - a bait recommendation
Diagnosing wildlife holes in yard-Iowa
Controlling Moles, Racoons & Skunks - MSU
Moles In Lawn-Purdue
https://turf.purdue.edu/mole-control-buyer-beware/
I've Got Moles (video) MSU
Harpoon traps are effective on eastern moles. Poison baits put in the tunnels are more effective on star-nosed moles.
Now let's cover the topic of grubs in the lawn. The following article provides excellent information on:
1) how to check for grubs in your lawn
2) which active ingredient is best to use for the time of year you want to apply an insecticide to kill grubs (IF action to control grubs is justified by the # of grubs found in step 1)
3) irrigation of the grub control into the lawn for better effectiveness
How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU
Yes, you are correct that products change. Pay attention and get the product with the active ingredient (insecticide) that you need for the time of year you are applying the grub control. The preventive timing is most effective meaning you apply products containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or clothianidin in June or July and water it in with 1/2" of water. These insecticides are not effective in the spring. You should only need to apply grub control for 1 or 2 years. Here are more articles on grub control:
Dealing w/ Grubs in the Lawn-Illinois
IPM of Turfgrass Insects-Purdue
Take Control of Lawn Grubs w-o chemicals-PSU
Managing grubs in Turf Milky Spore-Illinois
Natural White Grub Mgmt in Lawns-UMd
Info on earwigs and their control (sanitation is important):
https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/earwigs
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/earwigs/
https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/earwigs/
https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/publications/5017e/
Moles in the Lawn-MSU
Who's Digging in my Yard-MSU - eastern & star nosed moles
https://extension.psu.edu/moles
https://blogs.cornell.edu/nysipm/2020/10/14/dealing-with-mole-problems-in-turfgrass/
How to Control Moles-SG-MSU - a bait recommendation
Diagnosing wildlife holes in yard-Iowa
Controlling Moles, Racoons & Skunks - MSU
Moles In Lawn-Purdue
https://turf.purdue.edu/mole-control-buyer-beware/
I've Got Moles (video) MSU
Harpoon traps are effective on eastern moles. Poison baits put in the tunnels are more effective on star-nosed moles.
Now let's cover the topic of grubs in the lawn. The following article provides excellent information on:
1) how to check for grubs in your lawn
2) which active ingredient is best to use for the time of year you want to apply an insecticide to kill grubs (IF action to control grubs is justified by the # of grubs found in step 1)
3) irrigation of the grub control into the lawn for better effectiveness
How to Choose & Apply Grub Control Products-MSU
Yes, you are correct that products change. Pay attention and get the product with the active ingredient (insecticide) that you need for the time of year you are applying the grub control. The preventive timing is most effective meaning you apply products containing imidacloprid, thiamethoxam or clothianidin in June or July and water it in with 1/2" of water. These insecticides are not effective in the spring. You should only need to apply grub control for 1 or 2 years. Here are more articles on grub control:
Dealing w/ Grubs in the Lawn-Illinois
IPM of Turfgrass Insects-Purdue
Take Control of Lawn Grubs w-o chemicals-PSU
Managing grubs in Turf Milky Spore-Illinois
Natural White Grub Mgmt in Lawns-UMd
Info on earwigs and their control (sanitation is important):
https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/earwigs
https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/earwigs/
https://homegarden.cahnr.uconn.edu/factsheets/earwigs/
https://extension.umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/publications/5017e/
