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.
