White Grubs Coming Early

Due to the mild winter, the adult beetles of the white grub are predicted to arrive sooner this year; thus, grub control products also should be applied earlier than normal. Imidacloprid (Merit) and halofenozide (Mach 2) provide excellent grub control if applied at the right time: Mid-to late-June. Both are effective against young white grubs, promising three months of continuous control.

Experts recommend that if control is required in August or September, carbaryl (Sevin) or dylox are best, due to their higher kill rate of mature grubs. Be sure to water-in grub control products after application for best control.

Kentucky bluegrass lawns with frequent fertilizer and water applications are most prone to white grub attack. The pests’ infestations also tend to be localized to certain locations, such as sunny, irrigated slopes or turf grass beneath yard lights.

The threshold level for turf-grass damage is 8-to-10 white grubs per square foot of lawn.

Typically, newly established lawns and low-maintenance lawns don’t suffer from white grubs, and tall fescue lawns also tend to suffer fewer problems.

Spot applications of grub control products can be made to areas with a history of attack, and need not be applied to the entire yard.

Grub-Resistant Grass

Empire Zoysia grass is a grub-resistant turf that works well in a wide variety of environments, including extreme heat. It features dark-green, fine blades and is drought resistant.

Insect-Resistant Angelonia

Few, if any, insects or diseases bother the Angelonia. It thrives in the full sun during summer heat and humidity, making it an excellent selection for southern-area landscapes. A member of the snapdragon family, Angelonia is often referred to as summer snapdragon.

Once established, Angelonia is drought and heat-tolerant. They thrive when planted in the full sun in fertile, well-drained landscape beds. Add 3 to 4 inches of good-quality mulch to improve compacted clay soil.