7 Best Grub Killer for Lawns

This post may contains affiliate links. If you click and buy we may make a commission, at no additional charge to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

Grubs are the meanest little trouble-makers…

They won’t bite you, poison you, or sting you. But they will DESTROY your garden if you let them.
One day you have a gorgeous lawn shining under the sun. On the other, you’re presented with shaved-off grass.

These tiny larvae from beetles and chafers can be the worst nightmare for your garden.
How can you fix this? Even better, how can you prevent it?

Easy: you use the best grub killer

It’s the easiest, most effective, and safest way to remove grubs from your garden (and keep them away for long).

Want to know which grub killers are worth a try? Then keep reading!

7 Best Grub Killers for Lawns Reviews in 2022

IMAGEPRODUCTFEATURESPRICE
Bio-Advanced Grub Killer Plus • 24-HOUR GRUB KILLER
• PLUS INSECT KILLER
• PREVENTS LAWN DAMAGE
View Latest Price
Bayer Dylox 6.2 Granular Insecticide• Kills and Controls Armyworms
• use in and around landscape flowers
• Trichlorfon 6.2%
View Latest Price
Scotts GrubEx1 • kills and prevents grubs for 4 months
• Prevents turf damage
• Kills 25 percent more grub
View Latest Price
Ike’s Lawn Grub Control• INSECTS CONTROLLED
• long control and best results
• Up to 64,000 per quart
View Latest Price
Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer• KILLS MORE THAN 100 INSECT TYPES
• KILLS ON CONTACT
• Environmentally friendly
View Latest Price
The Andersons DuoCide Insect Control• double kill
• eliminating pests both above and below the soil's surface
• provides curative treatment
View Latest Price
St Gabriel ORGANICS Milky Spore Grub Control Mix• Organic Compound
• Attacks Larvae Of Japanese Beetles
• Kills Grubs For 15 To 20 Years
View Latest Price

1. Bio-Advanced Grub Killer Plus

BioAdvanced, Granules, 700745S 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus, 20-Pound, 10,000 sqft Standard Bag
289 Reviews
BioAdvanced, Granules, 700745S 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus, 20-Pound, 10,000 sqft Standard Bag
  • 24-HOUR GRUB KILLER: Delivers overnight results by killing grubs in 24 hours
  • PLUS INSECT KILLER: Also kills Ants, Ticks, Billbugs, Chinch Bugs, Crickets, Cutworms, Earwigs, Grasshoppers, and more

One day you have a destroyed garden. You decide to get rid of the grubs. You apply the Grub Killer Plus, and voila!

The next day you’ll see all the dead bodies… MAGIC!

Well, it’s not magic. But it’s actually the most effective grub killer you’ll find. DYLOX.

As the main chemical in the mix, these granules stop the grubs right there. No more than 24 hours would be enough to see FANTASTIC results. And you’ll be ready to fix and restore your garden right away.

BioAdvanced, Granules, 700745S 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus, 20-Pound, 10,000 sqft Standard Bag

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

Not only does it kill grubs, but crickets, cutworms, ants, ticks, grasshoppers, billbugs, and all other insects that may eat away your garden plants.

This bag contains 20 pounds of granules. That’s more than enough to spread over 10,000 square feet. THAT’S A LOT!

EVEN BETTER: The granules act almost instantly and leave a protective layer that prevents other larvae from growing. YOUR GARDEN WILL BE GRUB-FREE FOR AN ENTIRE SEASON!

What We Liked

  • Works with almost INSTANT results
  • Big bag covers a HUGE area
  • Leaves a protective layer behind for months
  • Kills a lot more insects than just grubs

What We Didn't Like

  • Runs out really fast in severe infestations

#2. Bayer Dylox 6.2 Granular Insecticide

No products found.

Dylox is easily the most effective insecticide to get rid of grubs on your lawn.

Bayer’s version, Dylox 6.2, is all of that and more.

It is a granular option, fast-dissolving, and highly penetrating chemical. As soon as you apply and water it, the insecticide gets deep into the soil and grass to kill EVERYTHING.

Like every Dylox grub killer, this one acts in 24 hours (or even less). Even then, it still lasts several weeks (and sometimes an entire season), so you won’t have to worry about grubs for a bit.

No products found.

No products found.

Best of all, you can use it almost ANYWHERE without drawbacks. The effectiveness yet the safety of this grub killer is such that you’ll find it almost impossible not to like.

And because it is Dylox (Trichlorfon), it also kills many other insects, going from chinch bugs to weevils, mole crickets, billbug larvae, and a wide array of worms.

DON’T IGNORE THIS: This is a HUGE 30-pound bag, packaged for commercial use mainly (but you can use it for any type of garden) as long as you store it freshly. It may last you a REALLY long time.

What We Liked

  • Acts super-quickly
  • It is a piece of cake to spread
  • It kills many different species at once
  • The bag is GIGANTIC, so it works for commercial areas

What We Didn't Like

  • It lasts less than 2 months before you need to reapply

#3. Scotts GrubEx1

Sale
Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer, Protects Lawns Up to 4 Months, 10,000 sq. ft., 28.7 lbs
  • Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer can help prevent turf damage by killing grubs when they are young
  • One application of this lawn care treatment kills and prevents grubs for up to 4 months

A gardener who’s never used Scotts products was probably never a beginner.

And it’s true. Scotts is a brand for homeowners who want decent quality and low prices.

Yet, that doesn’t mean GrubEx1 is a bad choice. The other way around, it’s a GREAT grub killer.
If you’re on a budget, this could be your best bet.

Why? Because it’s SUPER-EFFECTIVE. In just a couple of days, you should start seeing dead bodies around, and NO INSECTS.

Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer, Protects Lawns Up to 4 Months, 10,000 sq. ft., 28.7 lbs

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

The formula contains a wide array of ingredients that kills almost everything on its path. And what’s even better, it keeps the area protected against insects for up to 4 MONTHS!

You’re unlikely to get any bag with 28.7 pounds of grub killer product that still works as effectively. And for the cost? It’s a total bargain!

DON’T FORGET THIS: Because it doesn’t contain highly toxic chemicals like other alternatives, it conserves the soil and keeps bees plus other beneficial insects safe.

What We Liked

  • Keeps grubs off the lawn for months
  • It won’t kill beneficial insects
  • Acts in just a couple of days
  • The large bag won’t empty out too soon

What We Didn't Like

  • Needs constant reapplication for severe infestations

#4. Ike’s Lawn Grub Control

Ike's Lawn Grub Control | Farm, Home & Garden | Foliar and Systemic Insect Control (1 Quart)
  • DESCRIPTION: Works systemically to protect your lawn roots from white grub damage. Apply in spring and fall for season-long control and best results.
  • INSECTS CONTROLLED: Chinch bug, Cutworms, European chafer, European crane fly, Green June beetle, Japanese beetle, Mole crickets, Oriental beetle, Phyllophaga spp., Southern masked chafer, and White grubs

Don’t want to spread granules and then dissolve them (or even worse, wait for the rain to do it)? Then you need a liquid insecticide – like the Lawn Grub Control from Ike’s.

It’s not a lie when we say this is a SUPER-PRACTICAL way to kill grubs in your garden.

Being liquid allows for the easiest application. As little as 0.5 ounces should be enough to cover 1,000 square feet.

Obviously, it needs some preparation and dilution in water to not cause damage. The reason? It’s 21.4% Imidacloprid: a chemical that kills FAST.

Ike's Lawn Grub Control | Farm, Home & Garden | Foliar and Systemic Insect Control (1 Quart)

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

The power of this insecticide is outstanding, to say the least. You’ll be getting rid of grubs, beetles, chafers, crickets, and crane flies.

After applying this liquid insecticide, you can say goodbye to insects on your lawn, for real.
CONSIDER THIS: It comes in a double-mouth bottle that makes it a piece of cake to apply (on top of being liquid).

What We Liked

  • It’s a no-brainer to apply and prepare
  • Acts as quickly as you can expect
  • The liquid dissolves to cover A LOT of lawn
  • It’s safe for pets and other plants

What We Didn't Like

  • It doesn’t work for more than a few weeks

#5. Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer For Lawns Granules, Kills All Listed Lawn-Damaging Insects, 20 lb bag
  • KILLS LAWN INSECTS: Use outdoors on lawns and as a band treatment around your house foundation.
  • KILLS MORE THAN 100 INSECT TYPES: Kills insects above and below ground, including ants (excluding harvester and pharaoh ants), crickets, armyworms, cutworms, grubs, ticks and others as listed.

Want to get rid of grubs and all other insects that may roam around your grass? Look no further than the Triazicide from Spectracide.

It can kill over 100 species. This includes the grubs, crickets, many types of worms, antes, and even ticks. You can also kill beetles and chafers. And for those who hate flies, fleas, and aphids – this one KILLS THEM ALL!

It’s pretty much a multi-purpose grub killer ready to clean your lawn from unwanted intruders. AND IT DOES THE JOB PERFECTLY!

Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer For Lawns Granules, Kills All Listed Lawn-Damaging Insects, 20 lb bag

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

The most exciting part is how easy it is to use. As simple as spreading the granules and then watering to dissolve should be enough to get insects off. A few days will pass, and you’ll find a cleaner lawn.

YOU WON’T BELIEVE THIS: The chemical is so effective that it makes the lawn inhabitable for insects, as well as CRITTERS. From armadillos to moles and gophers, they will all flee after applying this product.

What We Liked

  • Removes a wide array of insects
  • The granules dissolve quickly
  • It may also remove critters from the area
  • Works for an entire season

What We Didn't Like

  • Some insects may take a lot of product to go

#6. The Andersons DuoCide Insect Control

The Andersons DuoCide Professional-Grade Lawn Insect Control - Covers up to 9,000 sq ft (18 lb)
  • Eliminates more than 50 common lawn pests including grubs, ticks, fire ants, mole crickets, fleas and more
  • Single application of DuoCide allows for "double kill", eliminating pests both above and below the lawn's surface

You don’t want low-quality insecticides making your garden inhabitable.

A safe yet effective alternative will be the best choice, like the DuoCide from The Andersons.

Its effectiveness comes from the combination of bifenthrin and carbaryl. These two chemicals are among the STRONGEST you can get, ready to tidy up your lawn right away.

But there’s something that sets apart DuoCide from other pesticides: it comes with the Dispersible Granule technology.

The Andersons DuoCide Professional-Grade Lawn Insect Control - Covers up to 9,000 sq ft (18 lb)

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

This DG design means you get EXCEPTIONAL dispersion, as the granules start to break down as soon as you apply them. With a bit of water, they will dissolve completely and start acting (almost instantly).

YOU ALSO GET A superb formula that kills pests over the soil, like crickets, ticks, and fleas. But it also works under the soil, eliminating grubs, worms, and ants.

What We Liked

  • It is uniquely easy to spread around
  • Removes many other insects
  • Kills instantly within days
  • Stays on the lawn for long

What We Didn't Like

  • Runs out really fast

#7. St Gabriel ORGANICS Milky Spore Grub Control Mix

St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Granular Natural Bacteria Japanese Beetle Grub Killer Lawn and Garden Care Control, 20 Pound Pack
  • Long-lasting milky spore granular grub control for the yard, garden, and lawn effectively manages Japanese beetle grubs by naturally killing grubs by eating from inside
  • Milky spore grub control guarantees 10-year performance capacity and the potential to last as long as 20 years, ensuring a prolonged period of efficient grub control; Treats up to 7,000 square feet

The most common grub is the Japanese beetle. And the best solution for that type of grub is Milky Spore.

Also known as “Paenibacillus popiliae,” this mix is less of an insecticide and more of a bacterium.

You can expect to KILL all grubs almost right away. Once the grubs get infected, they won’t come back into the place without dying – FOR UP TO 20 YEARS.

And because it is bacteria that affects the Japanese beetle grub only, it won’t cause any damage to other species. So whether it is birds or bees, pollinators, or even fish in a nearby Koi pond – they’ll all stay safe.

St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Granular Natural Bacteria Japanese Beetle Grub Killer Lawn and Garden Care Control, 20 Pound Pack

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

Unsurprisingly, it is a long-lasting product in the sense that 20 pounds can last UP TO 20,000 SQUARE FEET. So you can cover that much and give yourself a grub-free garden.

PLUS: It stays safe for the soil and plants as well. You won’t have to worry about causing damage to any other species after applying this bacterium.

What We Liked

  • Stays on the lawn for YEARS after applying
  • It is super-effective after a few months
  • It doesn’t affect beneficial insects
  • Spreading it is a piece of cake

What We Didn't Like

  • Only works in the pace of several months/years

How to Choose the Ideal Grub Killer for Your Lawn?

Unless you’re an expert or long-time gardener, you probably have little to no idea about these grub killers (and how they work).

If you want to pick the BEST INSECTICIDE FOR GRUBS, you probably need to know EXACTLY what to consider and what to avoid (always according to your needs).

For that, you can find our guide below to be pretty helpful:

Type of Grub Killer (Active Ingredients)

You can find out whether it is a fast-acting or slower grub killer by checking its active ingredients.

It works like this:

1. Preventive Insecticides

These are all those insecticides you apply before the larvae appear. In addition, they will make the area inhospitable for them, so you’re less likely to see grubs dancing around.

Among preventive insecticides, you can find:

  • Thiamethoxam
  • Clothianidin
  • Imidacloprid (the most popular)

You can reduce up to 100% of all grubs with a proper application.

2. Curative Insecticides

Some insecticides won’t stay in the soil for long, but they will act FAST. So you can kill up to 80% or a bit more of the entire grub population almost instantly with these insecticides.

Here are some to consider:

  • Carbaryl
  • Trichlorfon (Dylox)
  • Cyhalothrin
  • Permethrin

Most of these curative insecticides reduce the grub population within 24 hours and 7 days (and can last up to 3 months).

3. Bacterium Insecticides

Lastly, you can find other insecticides that are actually bacteria that, instead of killing the insects right away, make them sick and kills them over time.

Here are some bacterium insecticides to consider:

  • Bacillus papillae (Milky spores)
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

They are pretty cost-effective, and their effects can last for over 20 years, sometimes reducing the grub population to zero.

Granules or Liquid

Once you’ve figured out the ideal type of grub killer, go and check whether it comes in granules or liquid.

The difference is that granules take a bit more time to prepare and spread over. They also dissolve less quickly, so they may act a few hours/days to their effectiveness.

Liquid insecticides dissolve almost instantly, get absorbed right away, and their effects tend to be a lot faster.

Generally, however, it’s mostly a preference. Most people prefer granules because it covers more space, while others go for liquid given its practicality (it can be used in sprayers, for example).

Quantity and Coverage

After deciding between liquid and granules, consider HOW MUCH of the insecticide you’re getting.

What should the bag tell you?

First: how much you get (in pounds for granules and ounces for liquids)

Second: the amount should give you an idea of how much each bottle/bag will last.

Third: accordingly, you should approximate how much land will cover (in square feet).

As a general rule, you should get for no less than 10 pounds if you want to cover at least 1,000 square feet per year.

With these three things in mind, you’ll have an easier time deciding how much insecticide you’ll need.

When to Apply a Grub Killer?

So you have an idea of what grub killer may work for your needs. Now let’s teach you WHEN you should use it.

There are several answers to this question:

Are grubs really the problem?

Because some grub killers like bacterium types work ONLY FOR GRUBS, you don’t want to waste any of the product by using it on the wrong insects.

At the same time, you may have grubs, but probably they are less than the worms and larvae from other insects. A grub killer may not be the best idea there, but a general insecticide.

To be sure they are grubs, dig a small patch of dead lawn to about 2 inches deep.

Then check if the grubs are underneath the patch. If you can’t find white larvae roaming around, your problem is probably a different thing.

Otherwise, proceed…

What is the state of the grubs?

Grubs are larvae-state beetles. If you apply an instant killer when they haven’t even hatched, you may not get any result (as it can dissolve in a month and the larvae still hatch). But if you need to kill them instantly but apply a preventive grub killer, then you may not get the ideal results either.

The solution? Only apply INSTANT killers in the Spring or Fall. These would be curative insecticides when the larvae are already hatched.

But if you’re in the winter or mid-summer, then go for PREVENTIVE or slower grub killers. They’ll stay on the area long enough to prevent the grub killers from hatching (and kill the ones that do).

How to Apply Grub Killer?

Applying grub killers is not as easy as it seems. The reason being THEY’RE ALL DIFFERENT.

If you aren’t well aware of the process, you may end up applying A LOT MORE or A LOT LESS than you should. The result? Damage to the soil or almost no change.

Here are a few tips you can follow to avoid that.

  • Start by reading the instructions of the grub killer. You will probably learn more there than with any other guide on the internet.
  • Check the EFFECTIVE rate you need to use. This could change depending on whether it is a liquid or granule insecticide. The RATE shows you how much will work on how much space.
  • Generally, spreading by hand or pouring directly on the soil will work. To make it easier, you can use a spreader or a sprayer.
  • Try to avoid spreading the insecticide over vegetables or any other edible crop. While most are safe for humans, you don’t want to pour unnecessary chemicals over your plants.
  • Water the area immediately after applying the grub killer, so it starts dissolving right away (both for CURATIVE and PREVENTIVE options).

Once again, the best guide for applying the SPECIFIC type of grub killer you bought is in the bag of the product. That way, you’ll have an easier time as well as fewer things to worry about.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How long for grub killer to work?

A PREVENTIVE grub killer will take anywhere from 3 weeks up to 4 months to get the job done. A CURATIVE will start working almost right away, getting rid of grubs within 24 hours.

Q2. Is grub killer harmful to dogs and cats?

While it is unlikely a grub killer will cause severe damage to any pet, it’s ALWAYS better to keep your pets from entering the recently-treated area. You can wait until the soil has dried (about 1 to 3 days) to leave your pets roaming around the place.

Q3. Will grub killer get rid of moles and other critters?

Depending on the type you choose, there’s a chance you can get decent results. But moles and other critters mainly eat vegetation, so they’re unlikely to get affected directly by soil insecticides like grub killers.

Q4. Can you apply grub killer and fertilizer at the same time?

You can apply fertilizer almost right away. However, if you’re using weed and feeds and other supplemental products, it’s better to wait until the soil has dried completely.

Q5. Can I start reseeding and planting after applying a grub killer?

There’s no reason to wait any time after applying grub killers. Unless the insecticide instructions say otherwise, you’re free to use almost any type of chemical in the area.

Q6. Are grub killers safe for vegetable and herb gardens?

Most insecticides may cause a bit of damage to vegetables, herbs, and fruit plants. That’s why it’s better to only use grub killers on lawns and grassy areas.

Conclusion

So, did you find the best grub killer for lawns in our choices above?

If not, at least take all our recommendations in the buying guide so you can eventually pick the right one.

Regardless of your choice, be sure it’s something that TRULY meets your demands and your lawn’s needs over ANYTHING else.

Having said that, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Those grubs won’t go away by magic – KILL THEM ALL WITH THE RIGHT GRUB KILLER NOW!

Leave a Comment