SKIP GrubEx - It's A Waste Of Time & Money (Usually)

Most people grab bags of Scott's GrubEx every year and apply the stuff to their lawns to prevent grubs from invading their lawns throughout the years.
The problem however is that most of these same people are simply wasting their time and money and not getting the results they expect; here's why.
► Ikes Grub Control (Imidacloprid)
www.amazon.com...
► BT Natural Grub Control
www.amazon.com...
► GrubEx (Clorantraniliprole)
www.amazon.com...
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[@TurfMechanic]

►►► Want to fix your lawn for the long haul but don't know where to start? I can help! Click here right now and get started today: turfmech.link/dont-know-where-to-start ◄◄◄

[@thangknowa3288]

Down south, we apply Grubex in late march to early april the day before it rains, and bingo, it works. The armadillos are mighty skinny around here.

[@seriejohnson698]

Dying 😅

[@thangknowa3288]

"Hangry", we call it.

[@spaceshiptomoon]

I use Duocide and the granules dissolve instantly after watering. I’ve seen grubs come up out of the lawn dead or dying 3 hours after applying. Great stuff.

[@charlia6131]

Where do you buy that? ( duocide) for grubs

[@SingleStacked]

Depends on your climate. Timing may be different for someone in FL vs where you are at.

[@TurfMechanic]

yes, there are some locations that have regional bugs that do hunker down later and other areas that are sooner. For videos that everyone watches like this one I shoot for the bell curve right in the middle in my guidance; thanks for clarifying that point though for all the comment readers out there

[@Videditor1067]

Need to add a note that in ur area it may be mid June. In the Midwest, Ohio area it’s mid July that the beetle burrows into the ground to lay eggs.

[@rubenharris9241]

Brian, this is the kind of content that drew me to your channel to begin with. Good stuff 👍

[@TurfMechanic]

I do enjoy putting this type of content together, I want to do more of these kinds of vids through the year, they take more research and planning and I have to much more careful with the words I use but I think they are super valuable even though I'm of course biased. 😆

[@gerryhenning7337]

My understanding with that product is that it takes a little longer to get into the soil and absorbed by the grass so with Grub ex you need to apply it in early May so that in six weeks time, it has been absorbed into the soil and grass roots.

[@Web3WondersUS]

That is the step I was wondering. Thanks!

[@thomasp1673]

You need to water it in. About an inch of water after application. It does work. If that's your yard you are on. Doesn't look that great. I see many brown spots.

[@B_Loke]

I’ve had great success with GrubEx the last 4 years targeting May 20th for application. Been thinking of switching to Grubout for a more organic (less chemical) option. I may try it out next year and see what happens. Thank you for the updates and the lawn talk of different products. As with any product, I’ll buy it during the “off-season” when it’s cheaper and add to my stockpile.

[@TurfMechanic]

excellent tactic to save coin buying ahead of time during sales and well done getting grubex down in May, it's actually much more environmentally friendly than imidacloprid products so you're not doing too bad. If you ever do try grub out or any other similar product get the timing right and you'll feel awesome about the product going down. Talk about a clean environmentally sound product; that's the one.

[@Tanner-wt9pz]

Grub ex has always worked for me here in Kansas. Just gotta make sure you water it in just like any other granular additive

[@alexanderkahl5961]

Living in Chicago and put grubex down at the end of April. Fingers crossed!

[@Kiddro22]

Late April. Early May is the sweet spot when soil temps are atleast 65 on up

[@sciphan.]

I used bifenthrin that was on label to kill grubs since it was on sale. After thinking back on my lessons, I remember imadicloprid was always the gold standard (other than the bee issue) and went back and got me a bag. Last yr, yard was devastated by grubs. Locked and loaded for this year here in northern Indiana!

[@TofuInc]

I agree with everything you said here, excellent video. Well put together and straight to the point. 👍

[@TurfMechanic]

Thanks a bunch for the pat on the back! :D

[@pkn920]

Normally, I apply Grub Ex in May, because of the dry Spring in the Mid Atlantic, I applied it June 10th. I even contacted Scott's and they said I could use it up till end of June. I'm in the process of doing lawn renovations and guess what? Only a few grubs!

[@TurfMechanic]

You are probably going to be fine but keep in mind during the month of August you are less likely to find grubs underground because they are still pretty small, not exactly larvae but not full grown either. By Sept Oc Dec they will start getting big enough to be found and start getting big enough to start damaging lawns. Keep an eye out in another 4 weeks or so to be sure you got them controlled.

[@busterbrown1686]

Your right I apply grubex in mid April and spray hose end Spectracide monthly from May to August. I combat sod webworms also

[@angelf9800]

I used Merit and it did work and I applied it in late July

[@b.j.555]

I have a really bad infestation of grubs right now. What can i use? Liquid or granules? What do you recommend me?

[@kayakdog121]

If the only issue is its usually applied too late then why as the title says should we "skip it" and "its a waste of time and money usually"? Why not change it to "Here's how to apply Grubex correctly"?

[@khinekhine613]

Is Last week of April the best time to put down grub ex? thank you and great video.

[@robsolo4024]

I use Dylox and just wait till I see if there is possible grub damage present late August into September

[@TheDylan6908]

As usual great info. Thanks Brian

[@TurfMechanic]

😊 np Dylan

[@susanrand512]

I'm in Texas and found those nasty things in the dirt in my vegetable pots. Looking for a spray to get rid of the other bugs as well

[@randygentry6746]

What part of the U.S. are you? I'm in mid Michigan. Thx for your video.

[@rudy5454]

I usually use the grub B gone max by Scott’s. I live in Canada and apply it in the beginning of may and beginning of july. Is that fine?

[@dannyboii_reps]

Dang thanks for the time line , I applied in April the generic bug killer (grub included) in April but should do a second round in a couple days?

[@user-zw3gf1di3s]

One of the more interesting and accurate videos/tutorials I've seen on the topic. Bringing more information to the table here: this organic grub control product describe in the tutorial contains the microbe Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies/strain galleriae ("Btg" or "BTG"): a natural soil bacteria that specifically targets certain families of beetle adults and grubs, weevils and borers. It is highly effective against Beetle adult and grubs in the Scarab Family including Japanese Beetles, Oriental Beetles, Rose Chafers, European Chafers, etc etc. This active ingredient is not available as the "Lawnbox" product currently but is available from the manufacturer as "grubGONE!" and "beetleGONE!" (more on the difference between these 2 products below). NOW some performance details: specific field trial data in which products are tested head-to-head against a mixed population of scarab grubs (ie mix of JB, Chafers and Green June Bug), imidacloprid-based products (Bayer Advanced) typically test at 92-95% kill, grubGONE! and beetleGONE! test at 85-90% kill, chlorantraniliprole -based products (ie GrubEx and Acelepryn) test at 85-90% kill, while Dylox-based products kill at 70%. To note, Dylox has been very popular as a mid-late season (mid-June through Sep) rescue product because it does kill mature (late season 2nd-3rd instar) grubs and does so relatively quickly (relatively quick "speed-to-kill"). However, it is the most toxic of all the grub controls mentioned here and is now banned in many states. NOW, more information pertaining to mid-summer to fall applications (after June 1 through end of Sept) and levels of control: once again imidacloprid products work well. So do grubGONE! and beetleGONE! Contrastingly, GrubEx control tails off substantially ie

[@mattb9664]

Typical Scotts interweaving the marketing in with the usage directions. For keeping away other big pests, mainly ticks, this product did its job, but it's disappointing that the claims are exaggerated for grubs especially since the pest is in the product name. Due to Scotts' greedflation price increases for this season, the Andersons products which are more or less priced the same as last year if you are a smart shopper, are the granular products to be using for this season.

[@erraticwanderings]

So... I spent a good chunk o' change applying this on Memorial Day weekend. Is your warning more about the timing of the application or the product itself? As always I am grateful for the content, you da bomb!

[@TurfMechanic]

Appreciate the compliments, as for your question it's about the timing. Products like GrubEx are much better for biology in your lawn and neighborhood than products that use imidacloprid, a major reason why I don't recommend that ingredient very often. I left a lot of information out to keep the video on the shorter side. My 23 min video on grub products from a couple years back hits on more detail although in that video I'm more loose on applying grubex later in the month of june.

[@marcaustin]

you're not alone. Im out over $200 bucks. Im in northeastern oklahoma by the way. Evidently the world epicenter for moles. Im ready to just throw in the towel if im being honest ....

[@TurfMechanic]

thats' rough, moles are the worst; can't stand them either. I had a few at my last property, the one in Oregon where I started this channel but they always stayed on the perimeter of my lawn where I didn't treat for grubs. If you applied GrubEx at memorial day you'll still get some good control on the later to hatch larvae and some of the middle to hatch larvae; it's a not a waste if you are applying before june. For moles I wonder if you were to leave a special area of your lawn that you never treat for grubs just to try and get the moles to stay in that one area...might make it easier to repair a smaller localized area once per year or catch more moles in that area more easily. Not sure but it's just a thought.

[@hosta3199]

2 years ago your video said this is best product to use. Now I'm confused

[@andyleo8418]

He addresses it at 3:43

[@donhgr]

I think your timeline is a bit off and this product I’ve found is a good preventative, it’s NOT a “I saw grubs and kill now product “ there are better products for that! Your Welcome!

[@MattDillon188]

You water it into the soil.

[@nerycruz6456]

thank you

[@2pacnasgame]

If I already spread 16 16 16 fertilizer all around my yard for my grass trees bushes can I still use this or can the roots only eat one thing at a time

[@TurfMechanic]

You can still spread this. It doesn't get taken up by the roots. It slowly incorporates into the soil where it eventually starts killing grub larvae. I wouldn't advise applying it until the end of April though. It's too early in the season to effectively prevent grubs.

[@rudolphleroux47]

We don't get Grubex in the UK. It is outlawed. I use TurfSolv which was developed in Florida and now also made here. It is much safer and more effective than anything I have used before.

[@TofuInc]

I don't like how there isn't any info on the active ingredient. All the marketing buzz words on their site with no actual description on how the product works makes me highly suspicious.

[@TurfMechanic]

I'm not familiar with TurfSolv but since you are in England others from there may have the same issue. look for whatever brand you can fund that uses Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae strain sds 502 as its active ingredient if you want the safest and most environmentally friendly produt for grub control and apply in early July or look for anything that uses chlorantraniliprole for a safeish chemical ingredient that is effective on grubs when apied in early to mid May.

[@larrysmith7301]

I have to say I disagree with this video. I had a major grub problem three years ago. I started using GrubEx, applying it in May (Midwest) and have not had a grub issue over the last two years. I try to apply it just before a rain, or I water it in. Again, I have found Grub EX to be very helpful. I will continue to use it.

[@TurfMechanic]

Sounds like you agree with the video because it only makes sense if you apply in late April through May. 😁

[@jolkraeremeark6949]

Larry, you did not watch the video or shouldn't be commenting because comprehension is is a concern.

[@ricoproia328]

You are right. Grub protection is needed, because you need protection from neighbors who don’t take care of their lawns. You need to water it in.

[@Kevin-fb4fp]

milky spore?

[@augenmaugen]

Did you move homie? You’re a tropical man now. 😊

[@TurfMechanic]

I sure did move! October and November last year we did our Uhaul trips from Klamath Falls OR to Camarillo CA. It's been a crazy adventure and not nearly as tropical as I was expecting, at least not yet. This was my first video at the new place if you want to see the the starting line: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZqoqYx-q7t_rNE

[@charlia6131]

It’s May 19 th in Hot Houston Tx, can I use grubex, still or go straight to the. Spray stuff?

[@charlia6131]

Hmmmmm ??

[@carlstrom3898]

What about bio advanced grub killer? I’ve been using both the grub killer and grub control. Are they both worth the money

[@TurfMechanic]

Totally fine but probably overkill to use both unless you have other pests in your lawn. That killer product uses trichlorpon and will kill grubs outside of the prevention window. I touch on this in this video if you want to scrub through it kzbin.info/www/bejne/pquqnp2teJ6Nn6M

[@adamr6836]

How would I get in contact with you? I have a lawn problem I need help with?

[@evangoshert5817]

What about aeration first

[@TurfMechanic]

that would be a good way to get some of the stuff into the soil faster, not all will go in the holes but some certainly would. If you happen to be aerating in mid june to early July then I guess that would help the product work a bit better

[@edykam5590]

Are slug bad or good for lawn?

[@snowaIker]

The video is unnecessarily long.

[@TurfMechanic]

This comment is too short 😆

[@paulbaratta1566]

Totally disagree here. Apply late April / May. Water in and never had a problem

[@Skyking929]

Sorry but GrubEx works well for me...?

[@TurfMechanic]

When applied in late April through May it works great for sure. Most people have spotty results with it though when they apply in June and especially in July. My guess is you apply it correctly at the best time of year to do so.

[@marcaustin]

Its very disappointing to learn grub-ex is no good. I spent a decent amount of money on it in my yard this year after learning trizacide does nothing for grubs.

[@TurfMechanic]

Grubex works great if applied early in the prevention window and the active ingredient is better for the environment than imidacloprid is. My issue is so many apply it too late to make it worth using. For later applications I'd much rather apply bt but imidacloprid is the chemical alternative that many people choose due to its higher kill rate and longer duration of effectiveness.

[@relenneddenneler6540]

@@TurfMechanic I’m in Boston, Massachusetts…. When should I put down Grubex?

[@TurfMechanic]

@@relenneddenneler6540 May would be best for most people like you