Grub Control in Seattle, WA: Why Your Lawn Gets Destroyed (and How to Fix It)

Have you noticed your lawn getting torn up? It can look like animals are digging everywhere overnight.

That is usually caused by grubs.

In Seattle, this is common. Your lawn may feel soft, lift up like carpet, or get damaged quickly. Here is how to deal with it.

What Are Grubs?

Grubs are baby beetles that live in the soil. They:

Eat grass roots

Kill sections of your lawn

Attract raccoons and birds that dig up your yard

If you do nothing, your lawn will keep getting worse.

Types of Grub Control

There are two main options:

1. Preventative Grub Control (Best Option)

Stops grubs before they hatch

Common product: GrubEx

Works for several months

Safer than older chemicals

Best choice if you want to avoid damage.

2. Curative Grub Control (After Damage)

Kills grubs that are already in your lawn

Common products: Sevin (carbaryl), Dylox

Works fast

Use this if your lawn is already damaged.

When to Apply in Seattle

Preventative:

Late May to July (best time)

Apply before eggs hatch

Curative:

August to October

When grubs are active

If you wait until fall to prevent, it is too late.

Using Grub Control with Seeding

Before seeding:

Safe to apply

Helps protect new grass

After seeding:

Still fine

Water lightly so seeds stay in place

Preventative treatment works well with new grass.

Using Grub Control with Sod

Before installing sod:

Strongly recommended

Protects roots from the start

After installing sod:

Still works

Water it in well

Best approach is to apply before laying sod.

Winter in Seattle

Grubs go deeper in the soil

Treatments do not work well

Products will not last until spring

Do not apply in winter. Plan for spring instead.

Signs You Have Grubs

Grass lifts up easily

Brown or dead patches

Birds or raccoons digging

White C-shaped bugs in soil

If you find 5 to 10 grubs per square foot, you should treat.

Pro Tips

Always water the product into the soil

Do not apply on dry soil

Combine with fertilizer for better results

Offer it as a seasonal service

Final Thought

Grubs will keep damaging your lawn if you ignore them.

If you treat early and use the right product, you can stop the problem before it starts.