Grub Control in Late September: Curative Limits and Spring Prevention

Curative Treatment Now? Limited Effectiveness

By late September in northern CT, grubs are larger, moving deeper, and cooler soil reduces pesticide uptake. Carbaryl (Sevin) or trichlorfon (Dylox) may give partial control but don't rely on it.

Spring Preventive Is Essential

• Apply **imidacloprid (Merit)** or **halofenozide (Mach2)** from mid-May to mid-June.
• Targets newly hatched grubs when they're most vulnerable.
• Products: Bayer Advanced Season-Long Grub Control, Scotts GrubEx, Grub-B-Gon.

Fall Seeding Still Possible

Overseed damaged areas now, but cool soils slow germination. Water frequently. If unsatisfied, re-seed next spring. Keep seedbed constantly moist until germination.

Organic Alternative

Beneficial nematodes (if no chemicals used 3+ months) applied in late summer/early fall. Milky spore for Japanese beetle grubs (long-term). Sugar program builds soil biology that naturally suppresses grubs.