How to Get Rid of Lawn Grubs Naturally
Simple, safe steps for Minnesota lawns (and pets)
If you’re noticing brown patches or mysterious holes in your lawn each summer, grubs might be the hidden culprit. This guide offers a practical, pet-safe path to natural grub control — using nematodes, Bt, and soil health strategies that improve your turf long-term. You’ll also learn how to recognize when treatment is truly needed, so you’re not guessing (or overspending).
Grubs don’t ring the doorbell — they just wreck your lawn quietly
One day your yard looks fine. The next, it’s patchy, torn up, or feels like it’s peeling up like carpet. Welcome to grub season. In Minnesota, lawn grubs — the larvae of beetles like Japanese beetles and June bugs — emerge when the soil warms, and they start chewing away at grassroots. But here’s the good news: you can get rid of grubs naturally without harsh chemicals, using a combo of biological controls and soil-building. Knowing the right natural grub control methods, like nematodes or Bt, and strengthening your lawn’s defenses through better soil health will save you a lot of headaches (and repair bills) later.
Scott’s Lawn Care uses biology, not brute force
When it comes to grub control, Scott’s Lawn Care takes a thoughtful approach that’s aligned with Minnesota’s ecosystem and seasons. Instead of spraying the whole lawn with chemical insecticides, they rely on:
- Targeted nematode applications during late spring and summer when grubs are most active
- Bt galleriae treatments (such as GrubGone!®) as a safer microbial control option for pets and pollinators
- Lawn assessments before any treatment — if your grub count is under 5 per square foot, they won’t push unnecessary intervention
They also emphasize IPM — integrated pest management — and combine these treatments with long-term soil health strategies to naturally reduce grub populations over time.
Fewer grubs, stronger grass, and no toxic runoff
When you go natural, here’s what to expect:
- Start with inspection: Dig small test patches in suspected areas and count grubs. Treatment is usually only necessary if you see 10+ per square foot.
- Choose your method:
- Nematodes (like Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) are microscopic allies that hunt grubs. Apply during moist soil conditions — and keep the lawn watered for two weeks.
- Bt galleriae is a biological insecticide that targets grubs without harming beneficial insects. Great for early summer applications.
- Birds can help too! Encourage grub-hunting species like robins by adding native plants and clean water sources.
Pick your plan based on your lawn’s needs:
Your Goal
Pet-safe grub control |
Lawn showing light damage |
Large patches and animal digging |
Low-maintenance prevention |
Best Option
Bt galleriae or nematodes |
Overseed and improve soil health, no treatment needed |
IPM-based nematode treatment + lawn aeration |
Fall composting and deeper mowing habits |
And don’t forget: maintaining thick turf through fall overseeding and soil aeration is a key part of reducing future grub stress.
A lawn that resists pests — and lets your dog run free
When you shift from reacting to grub damage to preventing it with smart, natural choices, your lawn becomes more than just green — it’s resilient. You avoid the rollercoaster of chemical treatments and create a healthier space for everyone, from kids and pets to pollinators. With the support of professionals like Scott’s Lawn Care, or your own proactive lawn habits, natural grub control becomes simple, safe, and surprisingly effective.
You’ll walk out into your yard next summer and feel the difference under your feet — solid, living turf, with no brown patches in sight.