These Homemade Grub Killer Recipes are a much safer and more practical approach compared to chemical-laden products!
Grubs are voracious root eaters. They destroy fruits, vegetables, floral gardens, and grass lawns. If your garden has grubs, eliminate them with these Homemade Grub Worm Killer Recipes.
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What Is Grub Worm?
Grub worms, also known as white grubs, lawn grubs, or grubs, are the common names of c-shaped larvae of 30,000 species of scarab beetles. They have dark brown heads and three pairs of legs. Grubs are a nightmare to gardeners and turf owners as they feast on grassroots and other organic matter in the soil.
Where Do Grubs Come From?
To learn where grubs come from, you’ll have to understand the lifecycle of the scarab beetles. The lifecycle begins when an adult beetle oviposits eggs 2-8 inches deep in the soil. After 2-3 weeks, the larvae/grubs hatched out from the eggs and started consuming roots and decaying vegetation throughout the summer.
In fall, grubs burrow deep into the soil up to 1.5 meters for winter and remain dormant until the following spring. Next autumn, young grub worms again penetrate deep into the ground to live through the winter and return to the spring for feeding until they become fully grown in late spring.
Next, larvae transform into the pupa stage. After a few weeks, adult beetles emerge and spend the entire winter in the soil. In the following year, in May or June, they emerge from the ground and start the process again.
Common Signs of Grubs Infestation
Look out these common signs in your yard or lawn to find grub worm infestation.
- Turf becomes brown, dry, and wilted with oddly shaped dead patches.
- A few parts of the lawn becoming soft and spongy is an early sign of grub infestation.
- Grasses are easily pullable as their roots can no longer hold the soil.
- Birds, raccoons, moles, or skunks wander in your garden more often.
Homemade Grub Killer Recipes
Say goodbye to the voracious white grubworms and beetles with these homemade grub killer spray recipes.
#1 DIY Garlic Grub Killer Recipe
Infused with garlic and onion’s irritant properties, this recipe eliminates grub worms in no time.
Supplies
- Two cloves of Garlic (Finely Chopped)
- A Medium-Sized Onion (Finely Chopped)
- Three Cups of Lukewarm Water
- One Tbsp of Dawn Dish Soap
- Empty Spray Bottle
- A Mixing Bowl
- Container
Directions
- Add two garlic cloves, an onion, and three cups of water into a bowl. Leave it overnight in the refrigerator.
- The next day, strain the solution into a container.
- Next, mix a tablespoon of dawn dish soap into the garlic mixture.
- Once it’s done, transfer the solution into an empty spray bottle and shake it well.
- Spritz the mix all over the grub-affected area.
- Reapply the solution every day until none of them exists.
#2 DIY Borax Grub Removal Recipe
As borax is a desiccant, this remedy kills white grubs by pulling out moisture from their body.
Supplies
- Four Tablespoons of Borax
- Two Quarts of Lukewarm Water
- Garden Sprayer
- A Bowl
- Container
- Small Funnel
Directions
- Combine four tablespoons of borax and two quarts of lukewarm water in a container.
- Transfer the solution into an empty garden sprayer using a small funnel and shake it well.
- In the morning, water the grub-affected areas to draw them out.
- Then, saturate the whole area with the solution.
- Redo this method once a day for positive results.
#3 Basic Grub Killer Recipe
This super simple recipe creates an effective solution that smothers grub worms. It’s one of the excellent homemade grub killer recipes.
Supplies
- 1/2 Tablespoon of Dawn Dish Soap
- Two Cups of Tepid Water
- Spray Bottle
- Small Funnel
- A Bowl
Directions
- First, grab all the mentioned supplies.
- Next, stir 1/2 tablespoon of dawn and two cups of tepid water in a bowl.
- After that, empty the liquid into a clean spray bottle using a small funnel.
- Shake the bottle and spritz enough liquid all over the desired space.
- Repeat this hack twice a day until the grubs disappear.
#4 Lemon Juice Grub Worm Killer Spray
This recipe does not kill grubworms but keeps them and beetles far away from your garden.
Supplies
- 1/4 Cup Dish Soap
- 1 Cup lemon juice
- 1/2 Cup of Water
- Empty Spray Bottle
- Small Funnel
Directions
- Pour all the ingredients into an empty spray bottle using a small funnel.
- Jiggle the bottle for a minute or two so that the ingredients mix properly.
- Once you’re done, cover your garden and lawn with this potent lemon juice solution.
- Reapply this liquid twice or thrice daily.
Other Home Remedies to Get Rid of Grub Worms
Along with the above homemade grub worm killer recipes, you can also try these helpful tips to remove them for good.
1. Beneficial Nematodes
Best for combating grubworms, beneficial nematodes are nanoscopic roundworms that are often used for organic pest control. Spray the nematode and water solution all over the grub-infested area. To make the pesticide, follow the product instructions.
2. Milky Spores
Also known as Bacillus popilliae, the milky spore kill grubs without harming other beneficial insects in the garden. Apply on the problematic area as listed on the product instructions. You can either sprinkle milky spore alone or combine it with water to use as a spray.
3. Diatomaceous Earth
Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a natural way to eliminate grub from your vegetation. When grubs contact with the powdery particles of diatomaceous earth, their bodies get dehydrated, causing a slow death.
4. Garlic
Both the grubs and beetles hate the strong aroma of garlic. Strategically place crushed garlic cloves around the garden, yard, and lawn to deter these annoying creatures. Make sure to replace the garlic cloves with fresh ones every day.
5. Neem Oil
Neem oil has insecticidal properties that help you repel grubs and beetles easily. Direct contact with neem oil disrupts their body system, leading to death. Neem oil is one of the best ingredients for homemade grub killer recipes. To make this solution, mix a tablespoon of neem oil, 1/2 gallon of water, and 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap in a garden sprayer.
6. Chicken and Birds
Instead of trying the above homemade grub killer recipes, use chickens or birds. They are a good non-chemical option to reduce the population of grubs. For this remedy, set up bird feeders and chicken coops near the problematic areas.
Precautions
While using the above homemade grub killer recipes, follow the below precautions to avoid mishaps.
- Wear protective gear such as a good-quality face mask and an eyeglass.
- Instruct the furious kids and pets to stay far away from the treated area.
- Test the above sprays on a small area to ensure they don’t harm your vegetation or lawn.
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