As an avid gardener, the most disturbing thing for me to see is beautiful plants being destroyed, be it by animals (such as deer) or insects (such as Japanese Beetles, which hatch from lawn grubs). While I have discovered an excellent product to combat deer, I have yet to find a product that works as well on the Beetles, which enjoy feasting on my favorite flower, the beautiful tropical Canna Lily. One product I have tried is Milky Spore, a naturally-occurring bacteria (Bacillus popillae-Dutky) which works as a “disease,” killing grubs over time.
What is Milky Spore? Milky Spore is an environmentally-friendly method of grub control that can either work wonders or be ineffective. Using Milky Spore is only beneficial is there is a true grub problem. Take the following steps to determine if there is such a problem:
*In a few test spots in your yard, dig out a 12″ x 12″ square of turf about 2″ to 3″ deep and peel back or remove.
*Search through the top inch or so looking for grubs (white-gray in color).
*If you find more than three or four, grub control action is recommended.
How do I use Milky Spore? Milky Spore application is a lengthy and expensive process.
*Since the spore is a disease, it can be a long-term solution – possibly lasting ten years – if it establishes itself in the soil, but there is no guarantee of establishment.
*The expense is great since it needs to be applied six times over the first two years of treatment (at a cost each time of $30 to $40 per ten ounce package, which covers approximately 2,500 square feet).
*Should you choose this method, it is recommended to apply the spore mid-spring, mid-summer, and mid-fall, approximately the same time you would apply fertilizer to your lawn.
*Apply Milky Spore in the same manner you would apply fertilizer – via spreader (settings for many popular spreaders appear on the box or bag).
How does Milky Spore work? As mentioned earlier, Milky Spore is a disease that needs to be established in the soil. If the applications are successful, Milky Spore works as follows:
*Spores are ingested by grubs during normal feeding.
*Over the next 7 to 21 days, the disease cripples the grub, eventually killing it.
*When the grub decomposes, new spores are released, leading to long-term protection of your lawn.
In the fall of 2009, I finished my second year of Milky Spore treatment. I noticed a slight difference last summer, but the Beetles still seemed too numerous for my liking. Since the treatment is supposed to take two years to establish itself and be effective, I will be anxiously awaiting results this summer.
sources: “Controlling Grubs in the Lawn,” kennedyscountrygardens.com
“Milky Spore All Natural & Long Lasting Japanese Beetle Grub Control,” homeharvest.com
