Home Lawn Care & Pest Control

White grubs and leatherjackets are some of the most destructive pests found in lawns and turfgrass. These soil-dwelling larvae feed on the roots of grass, leading to thinning, browning, and a soft, spongy texture underfoot. In severe infestations, you may notice large patches of dead grass that can be easily pulled back like a carpet due to the root damage.

In addition to direct damage, these pests often attract secondary issues. Animals like raccoons, skunks, and birds may begin digging up your lawn in search of a tasty meal, making the problem even worse.

Grub and leatherjacket activity typically peaks in mid-late summer and early fall, but early identification is key. Monitoring for adult beetle and crane fly activity, especially during peak laying periods, can help you determine when to begin treatment.

Our natural solutions use beneficial nematodes, which actively seek out and infect the larvae in the soil, providing effective, environmentally safe control without harming beneficial organisms or pollinators. Nematodes enter their pest and release symbiotic bacteria into the larvas body cavity. This bacteria converts the host tissue into a food source, on which the nematodes feed, develop, and reproduce on. The bacteria then kills the pest within a few days.

Explore this crop guide to learn how to monitor, identify, and treat white grubs and leatherjackets effectively—while promoting a greener, more resilient lawn.

Monitoring

To monitor for white grubs or leatherjackets, select a few random spots across your lawn and peel back a section of turf about 12" x 12". Healthy grass should be firmly rooted—if it lifts easily, that's often a sign of root damage. Carefully inspect the top few inches of soil underneath for curled white grubs or slender, grey-brown leatherjackets.

Count the number of larvae in each square foot sample. If you find 8–10 or more grubs or leatherjackets per square foot, it indicates a damaging population level and control measures should be taken promptly.

When to Apply Nematodes?

White Grubs (ON, QC) - Apply every year between end of August to the beginning of September when grubs are close to the top of the soil.

White Grubs (BC) - Apply every year between mid-July to early August when grubs are close to the top of the soil.

Crane Flies - Apply 2-3wks after the adults are visible on lawns where they are laying eggs. In most situations this would be in late July, August or early fall.

How to Apply Nematodes?

Use the product immediately or store at 2-6C (use product before best before date on package).

When you're ready to use the product, remove the packets from the box and let sit at room temperature for 30min. After the 30min, stir package in 2L of water. Let soak for 5min.

Never leave a bucket unstirred for more than 30min. The nematodes will quickly settle to the bottom and suffocate. When mixing the solution, apply immediately using a Hose End Sprayer with garden hose or spray equipment.

Use as much water needed to apply the product to the area you would like to treat. Spray the whole mix in one application.

After applying the nematodes, a post-irrigation application should be done to wash the nematodes into the root zone.

Keep the soil moist for a few weeks after application.

Proper Conditions for Application:

Soil Temperature: 14-33C or 57-91F

Nematodes are very susceptible to Ultraviolet Light (UV). Avoid spraying in direct sunlight.

Do not apply with chemicals. Nematodes are susceptible to various pesticides.

Pre-irrigation and post-irrigation for 2wks after application enhances the nematodes efficacy.

All filters should be removed on motorized sprayers, especially if finer than 0.3mm (50 mesh).

Application Rate:

The contents of a 50mill package will treat 2,500sq.ft or 0.06 acres, depending on the level of infestation.

The contents of a 500mill package will treat 25,000sq.ft or 0.6 acres, depending on the level of infestation.

The contents of a 2,500mill package will treat 125,000sq.ft or 3 acres, depending on the level of infestation.

Home Lawn Care Solutions by Pests: