Avoid Overwatering Your Lawn Grubs thrive in soil that's constantly moist as they need water to live. Because of this, not overwatering your lawn and letting it dry out slightly in between waterings can be very beneficial in keeping their population down. It will also benefit your lawn, making it more resilient to heat stress during any future dry spells. Beneficial Nematodes The term 'beneficial nematodes' refers to microscopic fungi/worms that naturally occur in the soil. They attack the pest by entering their entering natural body openings. Once inside, they release bacteria that stops it from feeding, quickly killing the grub. They then reproduce inside the dead grub, increasing their population with each grub killed. Some studies show that over time this method can reduce grub population by even 75%. For best results, make sure to add beneficial nematodes when the new grubs are very small, typically in late summer or early autumn. Good Lawn Maintenance Routine While this will not kill the grubs, a healthy lawn and a good lawn maintenance routine can help to prevent or mitigate any damage that these could cause. Starting with mowing, make sure to never mow your grass when it's wet as the mower can end up tearing it instead of giving it a clean cut. This can then stress and weaken the grass, making it more susceptible to pests and diseases. For the same reason, it's also important not to cut off more than 1/3 of grass height in one go. Make sure to leave the grass clippings on your lawn too as these can act as natural fertiliser. Invite Wild Birds to Your Garden While a lot of people may not like when birds visit their garden, they can be very helpful in keeping your lawn healthy. Birds often feed on a variety of insects, including grubs, leatherjackets, aphids, caterpillars, and even mosquitoes! Because of this, encouraging them to visit your garden can be a great, natural method of controlling the pest population. To do this, make sure to offer them food, water, and shelter. For example, you can buy a bird feeder and fill it with some seeds and a bird bath to give them access to water that they can drink and bathe in. However, it is important to regularly refill the feeder and wash it along with the bird bath at least once a week to keep it clean. The water in the bird bath should also be replaced every day to help prevent the spread of any diseases.
As a septic system specialist, I've seen how lawn pests can damage the soil around septic drainfields, potentially compromising system integrity. My go-to organic solution is coffee grounds spread around affected areas - the nitrogen content disrupts the grub lifecycle without harming beneficial soil bacteria that help your septic system function. When customers report lawn pest problems near their septic tanks, I recommend corn gluten meal applied in early spring. It works as both a pre-emergent herbicide and deters grubs by making the soil environment inhospitable, all while being completely septic-safe. For severe infestations, milky spore powder has been extremely effective at our properties in Auburn and Rocklin. I've applied it to several residential lawns during fall baffle replacements, and customers report dramatic decreases in Japanese beetle grubs within one season. Remember to avoid chemical pesticides that can seep into your drainfield and kill necessary bacteria. I've seen systems fail because homeowners used harsh chemicals that destroyed the biological balance needed for proper waste decomposition.
Diatomaceous earth. We've had great success with lawn pest control like grubs. Diatomaceous earth is a powder derived from fossilized remains of algae. It's nontoxic to pets and humans, and what it does is prick the exoskeleton of insects, which causes them to dehydrate and die. I sprinkle it lightly where I see infestation (or signs of infestations) and apply it when no moisture is in the air. A light watering helps keep it in place for weeks as it works. It's a perfect solution to avoid chemical pesticides.
We visited a family friend's ranch in Texas recently and stumbled on the coolest (and quirkiest) method of organic pest control we've ever seen: ducks. Yup—actual ducks roaming the yard, eating grubs, beetle larvae, and other lawn pests right out of the ground. Our kid was amazed. So were we. We'd never heard of ducks as a lawn-care solution, but it turns out they're natural foragers, and grub larvae are basically a five-star meal. It was zero chemicals, zero maintenance, and strangely therapeutic to watch. For larger properties or rural homes, it's a brilliant low-tech, high-impact method that most people overlook.
As a founder of a metal roofing company that emphasizes sustainability, I've learned that maintaining the environment around our homes is just as important as the roof over them. For organic grub control, I've found diatomaceous earth to be exceptionally effective - it's a natural silica powder that dehydrates pests without harmful chemicals. Another approach that's worked well for properties around our Illinois facilities is introducing beneficial nematodes in early spring when soil temperatures reach 55°F. They actively hunt grubs while being completely safe for children, pets and beneficial insects. Timing is crucial - I apply organic treatments right after a light rain when grubs are feeding near the surface. From my experience with residential landscapes around our roofing projects, a two-pronged approach combining soil amendment (increasing organic matter to support natural predators) and targeted treatments yields the best results. Many of our eco-conscious clients have successfully used corn gluten meal as a pre-emergent herbicide that also provides nitrogen to strengthen grass against infestation. This creates stronger root systems that naturally resist grub damage while promoting a healthier lawn ecosystem - similar to how our recyclable metal roofing systems protect homes while benefiting the environment.
Last fall, a homeowner in Ohio reported large brown patches and increased bird activity--classic signs of grubs. We applied beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) mixed with water during a cool evening, when soil moisture was optimal. Within four weeks, their grub count dropped by 85%, and the lawn fully recovered by spring. Nematodes work because they actively seek out and parasitize grub larvae, releasing bacteria that kill pests within 48 hours. For best results, apply them in late summer or early fall when young grubs are near the soil surface, and irrigate lightly afterward to help them penetrate deeper. This method avoids chemicals while strengthening the lawn's ecosystem long-term
One of the most effective organic solutions for grub control is the use of beneficial nematodes, specifically Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. These microscopic organisms actively seek out and destroy grubs in the soil by entering their bodies and releasing bacteria that kill the host. I use a product from a company called Natures Good Guys on my lawn. I put it out about once a month and it does a good job of controlling grubs and most all other lawn pests. Hope this helps!
One method we've seen work really well for organic grub control is using beneficial nematodes. You just mix them with water and spray them onto your lawn. Odd, I know, but it's one of those natural fixes that really does the job over time. The best time to apply nematodes? Late spring to early summer... when the grubs are actively feeding near the surface. The key is to keep the lawn moist for a few days after application so the nematodes can settle in and do their work. We've had customers tell us they noticed stronger, greener patches after sticking with this method seasonally.
Controlling grubs in your lawn without resorting to harsh chemicals is not only great for the environment but also safer for pets and children who play outside. One method that has proven very effective is the use of beneficial nematodes, which are microscopic worms that naturally prey on grub larvae. You simply apply them to your lawn, and they go to work infiltrating grubs and other harmful soil inhabitants, effectively reducing their population. Another approach involves maintaining a healthy lawn through proper care—deep, infrequent watering; correct fertilization; and regular aeration help promote a robust lawn that can naturally resist pests. Also, planting diverse species of grass can reduce the chance of pest infestations, as some varieties are less appealing or resistant to specific pests. By using these organic methods, not only do you keep your lawn looking vibrant, but you also contribute to local biodiversity. In conclusion, with these techniques, you can maintain a healthy, green yard while keeping eco-friendly practices.
While I don't have extensive lawn pest management experience, at FLATS® properties like The Nash in San Diego, we've implemented organic pest solutions across our community green spaces. Our maintenance team has found beneficial nematodes particularly effective for controlling grubs and soil-dwelling pests in our North Park property landscapes. For smaller infestations, we've had success with diatomaceous earth applications, which physically damages insect exoskeletons rather than using chemicals. We applied this around our rooftop garden areas at multiple properties and saw a 30% reduction in visible pests within two weeks. Looking at data from our property management systems, treatments using organic nematodes have shown 40% longer-lasting results than chemical alternatives across our portfolio. The application timing is crucial - we schedule treatments during early evening hours when soil temperatures are optimal for nematode activity. Our residents at The Nash particularly appreciate our commitment to organic lawn care, as many use our outdoor amenities with their pets. This approach aligns with our sustainability goals while maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces for resident events like our rooftop yoga sessions.
A method I recommend for controlling grubs in your lawn organically is using beneficial nematodes, such as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. Neem oil can also be applied as a natural insecticide.