The best grub killers for lawns: curative products ranked by kill speed, active ingredient, and value. Includes Dylox, BioAdvanced, and Scotts GrubEx for active infestations.
Our Top Pick
BioAdvanced 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus is the best curative grub killer: kills grubs within 24 hours, covers multiple species, and is widely available. For preventive use, Scotts GrubEx remains the gold standard.
#1
BioAdvanced 24 Hour Grub Killer PlusOur pick
Curative, 5,000 sq ft coverage, trichlorfon
Fastest curative kill in our testing. Trichlorfon active ingredient kills grubs on contact within 24 hours. Also controls mole crickets, sod webworms, and other surface feeders. The go-to product when you discover active grub damage.
The most popular preventive grub control. Chlorantraniliprole kills grubs before they damage your lawn. Apply once in May to June for full-season protection. Low toxicity to pollinators compared to older chemistries.
Professional-grade curative with the fastest kill time of any grub product. Trichlorfon at higher concentration than consumer products. Kills grubs in 24 to 48 hours. Harder to find at retail but available online and at professional supply stores.
Organic, biological grub control. Introduces a natural disease (Paenibacillus popilliae) that kills Japanese beetle grubs specifically. Takes 2 to 3 years to fully establish but provides 15 to 20 years of control once active. Only effective against Japanese beetle grubs, not other species.
Microscopic organisms that parasitize and kill grubs in the soil. Apply as a liquid drench in late August to September when soil is moist and above 60 degrees. Effective against multiple grub species. Must be refrigerated and applied within 2 weeks of purchase.
We evaluated curative grub killers on three criteria: speed of kill (how fast active grubs die after application), breadth of grub species controlled, and cost per 1,000 sq ft of treatment. All products were tested on lawns with confirmed grub infestations of 8 to 15 grubs per sq ft in the Central Plains.
Curative vs Preventive
This roundup covers curative products that kill active grubs you can see right now. If you’re looking for preventive products to apply before grubs hatch, see our Best Grub Preventers roundup. The key difference: curative products work in 24 to 72 hours but only during the active feeding window (August to September). Preventive products go down in May to June before eggs hatch.
How We Tested
Evaluated on confirmed infestations (8 to 15 grubs per sq ft) in zone 5b lawns. Measured time to grub mortality, species coverage, ease of application, and cost per 1,000 sq ft. All products watered in with 0.5 inches within 2 hours of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best grub killer for lawns?
For active infestations (August to September), BioAdvanced 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus kills grubs within 24 hours. For prevention (May to June), Scotts GrubEx provides season-long control with one application. For organic options, beneficial nematodes kill multiple grub species without chemicals.
Does GrubEx kill existing grubs?
GrubEx is primarily a preventive product. Its active ingredient (chlorantraniliprole) works best when applied before grub eggs hatch (May to June). It has some curative activity on young grubs but is much less effective on large, late-season grubs. For active infestations, use a curative product like BioAdvanced or Dylox.
When should I apply grub killer?
Preventive products (GrubEx): May to June, before eggs hatch. Curative products (BioAdvanced, Dylox): August to September, when grubs are small and feeding near the surface. Applying curative products after October is less effective because grubs have burrowed deeper.
Is milky spore effective for grubs?
Milky spore is effective only against Japanese beetle grubs, not European chafers or June bugs. It takes 2 to 3 years to establish in the soil but then provides 15 to 20 years of control. If Japanese beetles are your primary grub species, milky spore is the best long-term investment.
Can I use nematodes for grub control?
Yes. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes parasitize and kill multiple grub species. Apply in late August to September when soil is moist and above 60 degrees. They must be refrigerated and used within 2 weeks of purchase. Effective but requires specific application conditions.
x
Create your account here to access our Membership Content
We have tons of Job information and some valuable information only accessible by our member. Signup here to become a member and access the content.
