Table of Contents
Step 1: Apply in early fall Grubs have to eat milky spore for it to infect them, so the best time to apply milky spore is in early fall when grubs feed most actively. You can apply milky spore in spring and summer, as well, because grubs are present pretty much any time the ground isn’t frozen.
How often should you apply milky spore?
Milky spore powder is typically applied in a matrix pattern, a teaspoonful every four feet in rows four feet apart. Some newer formulations allow for application through a drop spreader. It is much easier to apply but must be applied three times a year for two years as opposed to just once.
How long does it take for milky spore to be effective?
Milky Spore begins working as soon as it is applied as long as grubs are feeding. Once grubs are infected they will multiply the Spore by several billion times and spread it further. In warm climates good control can occur in one to three years. In colder areas like New England, three to five years.
When should I put milky spore on my lawn?
It is most effective to apply Milky Spore in the summer and early fall. The soil must be above 65 degrees F when the grubs are actively feeding, which is the best time for application. It works best to apply just before rainfall, or water in lightly after application to soak into soil.
Which is better milky spore powder or granules?
For long term treatments, we would recommend using Milky Spore Powder. This is a slower acting product, but it will last about 15-20 years in the soil after one application. With Merit Granules, it is most effective when applied prior to, or just after, egg lay.
Can milky spore be used in a vegetable garden?
Is Milky Spore Safe? Milky spore disease is specific for Japanese beetles and it won’t harm humans, other animals, or plants. It is safe to use on lawn and ornamental plants as well as vegetable gardens.
Will Milky spore get rid of moles?
According to Planet Natural.com, Milky Spore is a safe, organic way to eliminate moles, because it only works on the grubs and doesn’t infect people, pets or even the moles. It just deprives moles of a major food source.
Does milky spore work on all grubs?
Milky spore disease is a bacterium that was initially referred to as Bacillus popillae, but it is now known as Paenibacillus popillae. The bacterium is applied to turfgrass as a dust. It is effective only in controlling Japanese beetle grubs; it has virtually no activity on other grub species.
Does milky spore harm earthworms?
Milky spore is a bacterium specifically for killing white grubs, which are the larvae of Japanese beetles. Although it may affect some other types of grubs, it will not harm earthworms, pets or wildlife. Milky spore needs to be in the soil for about three years before it becomes completely effective.
Can milky spore be applied in spring?
Milky spore powder is a biological control — a naturally-occurring soil organism that is deadly to Japanese beetle grubs that ingest the spores in warm soil. Those points are important. Even though milky spore is sold in the spring, but it does not work in the spring.
Can you use a broadcast spreader for milky spore?
Milky Spore Spreader Mix is too light to be used with a broadcast spreader. It must be placed in concentrated areas on the lawn and that is why it must be used with a drop spreader over every square foot of grass. Milky Spore Spreader Mix is too light to be used with a broadcast spreader.
How do I prevent grubs in my lawn?
To kill grubs in the spring or fall, use carbaryl or trichlorfon. Always wear rubber gloves and rubber boots when applying insecticides to turfgrass. Make sure to irrigate the lawn with at least 0.5 inches of water* and allow the grass to dry before allowing anyone or pets into the treated area.
Will grass grow back after grub damage?
If you have areas of dead turf, you’ll need to re-seed them. Some areas will need to be scraped clean, soil added, and seeded. However, some areas may just warrant slice-seeding to repair them. Either way, they aren’t coming back on their own.
Is grub control necessary every year?
Grub control measures need to be taken on annual basis to work consistently. Skipping a year may be fine, but if any beetles have laid their eggs in your lawn’s soil over the course of that last year, you can be looking at a seriously damaged lawn by mid-fall.
Why do I have grubs in my yard?
Grubs can be found within your lawn during the late summer months after the beetles have laid their eggs around July. Female beetles lay their eggs about one or two inches deep in the soil. By devouring the grass roots, they begin to kill off patches of your lawn, leaving it brown in certain areas.
How much does milky spore cost?
Milky Spore Powder Size / Description Qty box (10 oz) $49.23 Buy 2 or more: $44.67 each 0 box (40 oz) $101.23 Buy 2 or more: $99.18 each 0 case (6 x 10 oz boxes) $183.21 Save! Get 6 for only $30.54 each 0 case (4 x 40 oz boxes) $278.16 Save! Get 4 for only $69.54 each 0.
Does milky spore expire?
Milky Spore has unlimited shelf life as long as it is stored in a cool dry place. Milky Spore is not a chemical pesticide. The only thing that Milky Spore affects is Japanese Beetle Grubs.
