Re: [SG] grubs

Question was raised about less expensive organic controls for grubs. Control
of grubs is important regardless of what type gardener you are.  It's easy
to start a little controversy with any remarks about $$, organics or
chemicals. Regardless.....

My belief is that if your land has had any recent chemical insect control
application, organic controls may not work effectively. I'm not a chemist
but do know if you have used diazanon, for example, there's no use trying to
introduce beneficial nematodes as I doubt they would ever make it. Companies
that spray fertilizer and insecticides on lawns may not maintain clean tanks
between applications, measure properly, etc so the problem becomes more
intense.

You can search keywords such as  biological controls, beneficial nematodes,
bacillus thuringiensis, bacillus popillae...(BT, milky spore) those areas to
find out more about non-chemical controls. One company that I have heard of
but never used is ARBICO. Their page should get you started.
www.biconet.com   State ag. extension services or Master Gardener
programs are also sometimes helpful with more local info. AOL has a site
just for Japanese Beetles.

When I once lived outside Burlington, VT I tried milky spore for Japanese
beetles and June beetles. It took about 3 years to develop in the soil and
work well which was about how long it took the local garden centers to start
selling beetle traps with lure. If you want big problems with those beetles,
buy a trap and you'll have a problem for sure.
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