How to Use Inground Sprinkler Systems to Eliminate Grubs

Just like going through the work of opening the pool, sharpening up the mower, and rototilling the garden, grubs are a nasty fact of spring that no homeowner willingly deals with. Fortunately, dealing with grubs doesn't have to be difficult. There are ways you can use your inground sprinkler systems to avoid grub damage until these pesky little insects can be eradicated completely for the season. Not sure how your inground irrigation can possibly help with this hassle? Read on for tricks from the pros at Nutri-Lawn Burlington.

What are grubs?
Before going any further, it is essential to understand the ways and reasons grubs damage your lawn. Their appearance is recognizable to most homeowners – squirmy, spiny curve white bodies, tan heads, prickly feet. They're not a pretty species of insect. Grubs are the larvae of Japanese beetles, June beetles, European Chafer beetles, and Leather Jackets.

When and how do grubs do damage?
Most grubs are active and hungry during the months of April until October. However, European Chafers can be at your lawn as early as March and continue eating away until November. They are the most predatory in their maturation phase of 1 to 3 years, when the nutrients from your lawn will be needed to sustain them and help them grow into adult beetles. During this phase, grubs munch away at your grass roots, weakening them and making your grass more susceptible to diseases, heat stress, and insect invasions.

Get the right inground irrigation
The first step in combating grubs is getting the right inground sprinkler systems on your property. You'll want something that is automatically set up so that you won't need to worry about turning your sprinklers on each morning. You'll also want inground sprinkler systems that use a rain sensor to avoid overwatering your lawn. An overwatered lawn will breed diseases, as the water won't be able to soak into the soil quick enough and will sit on the surface waiting for bacteria. Nutri-Lawn Burlington inground sprinkler systems boast a nice collection of RainBird, Toro, and Hunter inground irrigation with rain sensors that will make sure your lawn only gets the 1 to 2 inches it needs a week, whether from rain or sprinkler.

Set up your inground sprinkler systems for beneficial nematodes

The #1 way to get rid of grubs: beneficial nematodes. These little natural predators love grubs, but won't harm your lawn. They are completely organic, allowing peace of mind to know that neither pet nor child will be harmed by the application of nematodes.

Nematodes need a moist environment to thrive. UV rays are harmful, and can kill the nematodes. Your application will likely get scheduled for a rainy day, or else on a day when you can be home to make sure your Nutri-Lawn Burlington inground sprinkler system can treat your lawn. For the following 10 days after your lawn is treated with nematodes, continue using your inground irrigation to make sure your lawn is always moist to protect the nematodes as they hunt for grubs.

If you don't want to go the nematode route, Nutri-Lawn Burlington offers traditional grub control using insecticide.

Aerate before application
Before you apply the nematodes, Nutri-Lawn Burlington recommends you aerate your lawn. Core aeration will provide pathways to help nematodes get deeper into your lawn, as well as offer tunnels for water to get through. Aeration reduces the compaction of your lawn, making it easier overall for nematodes in their hunt for grubs.

Aeration also ensures your roots get the benefits of an inground sprinkler system. This will assist in strengthening your roots to resist insect invasions and diseases.

Get rid of beetles
Nematode applications unfortunately can't be done until August or September, when the grubs are most vulnerable. Until then, vacuum up beetles as you see them to prevent more grubs from being born. This is a preventative measure that will help you in future seasons by stopping the problem before it hits again.

Protect your lawn from grubs today with a free quote from the irrigation experts at Nutri-Lawn Burlington inground sprinkler systems.