July is grub control time

    If you have not been using a grub preventative on your lawn, the first half of July is a good target date.  Preventatives are normally used on areas that have a history of grub problems.Traditional grub insecticides such as Dylox are normally applied in late July after the grub are present, or as a rescue treatment once damage is seen. 
    Products that contain Merit (imidacloprid) or Mach 2 (halofenozide) are considered grub preventers. Actually, neither product prevents grubs but rather kill them when they are quite small and long before they cause any damage. Merit and Mach 2 are safer to use around pets and humans than traditional grub killers.  Merit can be found in Bayer’s Season-Long Grub Control and Grub-Ex. Mach 2 is the active ingredient in Kill-a-Grub.  Remember, all grub products must be watered in before they are activated.
    The trade names mentioned in this column are used to identify products. No endorsement is intended, nor is any criticism implied of similar products not named.
    For more information on controlling grubs, contact the Ford County Extension Office.