How to deter grubs

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Mountaindweller Dolan Springs, AZ(Zone 9a) Oct 06, 2014

I have learned a hard lesson about working cow manure deep into my garden bed. The june bug grubs have followed it as deep as they can and eaten the roots of my plants in the process. I can dig up 20 grubs in any cubit foot of my garden now. So how can I prevent this next year?

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 07, 2014

Bayer makes grub control products (powder and spray) and now is the time to use them. Well, where I live anyway. For a more natural alternative, some people use milky spore powder. It isn't always easy to use and may need to be applied several times.

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Mountaindweller Dolan Springs, AZ(Zone 9a) Oct 07, 2014

I read that the milky spore powder only worked on one type of grub-and it wasnt't the june bug type.
I guess I was hoping there was something like an irritant that could be put on the soil. Like diatomaceous earth, or vinegar, etc. I might try covering the ground with a piece of tarp if it is only necessary for a few weeks or so. Is now the time they are laying the eggs?

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 07, 2014

More info ... http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/june-bug-beetles.htm

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Mountaindweller Dolan Springs, AZ(Zone 9a) Oct 07, 2014

Thanks, cville. I'm going to hang a bucket with oil under my porch light for starters. Still not sure my beetle (looked up the scientific name- tomarus gibbosus) is affected by the powder. Too many types of grubs out there. Apparently if I get skilled enough I can tell by studying their butts. Eww.

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 08, 2014

Hope it works for you whatever you do.

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Sequoiadendron4 Lititz, PA(Zone 6b) Oct 09, 2014

Get chickens... :)

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 10, 2014

Yep, my grandparents never had problems with grubs. Chickens love them. :)

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Mountaindweller Dolan Springs, AZ(Zone 9a) Oct 18, 2014

We've been digging them up by the cupfuls and taking them to the coop....the chickend do love them! It's really knocked down the numbers. I think if I keep up with it now that I know I need to we'll be ok.

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Cville_Gardener Clarksville, TN(Zone 7a) Oct 19, 2014

Hopefully you will.

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