Grub Control & Leather Jacket Treatment for Lawns in Brampton
Grubs and leather jackets are common lawn pests in Brampton that feed on grass roots beneath the soil surface. Left untreated, these pests can quickly destroy sections of turf and leave large brown patches across the lawn.
Our grub control in Brampton uses beneficial nematodes to target grubs naturally while protecting your lawn from further damage.
Grub Treatments Starting At $89.99 + HST
What Are Grubs and Why They Damage Lawns
Grubs are the larvae of beetles such as Japanese beetles and June bugs. These pests live in the soil and feed on the roots of grass. As they eat the roots, the lawn becomes weak and can no longer absorb enough water and nutrients.
Severe infestations cause lawns to thin, turn brown, and eventually die in patches. Because the roots are damaged, the turf can often be lifted easily from the soil like carpet.
Grubs also attract animals such as raccoons and skunks that dig into lawns searching for them as food.
Grubs in Lawn: Signs Your Lawn Has Grubs
Common signs of grub damage include:
• Brown or thinning patches of grass
• Grass that lifts easily from the soil
• Increased raccoon or skunk digging
• Lawn decline in late summer
If you notice these signs, grub treatment may be needed to prevent further damage.
When To Treat Lawn Grubs in Brampton
Grub treatments are most effective when applied at the correct point in the grub life cycle.
In Southern Ontario, beetles typically lay their eggs in lawns during July. These eggs hatch into young grubs that begin feeding on grass roots through late summer and early fall.
The most effective time to apply beneficial nematodes is typically:
Late August through early September
At this stage the grubs are still small and actively feeding, making them much easier to control.
Late summer treatments also work well because cooler nights, increased soil moisture, and reduced sunlight help beneficial nematodes survive in the soil. Nematodes are very sensitive to UV light and hot, dry conditions, which are common during July heat and drought periods.
Applying treatments during cooler late-summer conditions helps the nematodes stay active longer and improves overall grub control results.
Nematodes must also be watered into the soil immediately after application in order to be effective. Water helps move the nematodes down into the root zone where grubs are feeding and protects them from sunlight.
For best results, lawns should be thoroughly watered after treatment and kept moist for several days while the nematodes establish themselves in the soil.
Can Grubs Be Treated in Spring?
Many homeowners notice grub damage in May or early June when lawns start greening up.
At this stage the grubs are usually already large and near the end of their feeding cycle, which makes treatment much less effective.
By late spring:
• Grubs have already caused most of the damage
• They will stop feeding soon and begin turning into beetles
• Nematode treatments are far less effective on mature grubs
Because of this, spring treatments are usually not recommended.
The most effective time to treat grubs in Southern Ontario is late August through early September, when young grubs have recently hatched and are actively feeding near the soil surface.
Applying nematodes during cooler late-summer conditions also helps them survive longer, since they are very sensitive to heat, drought, and UV sunlight.
Grub Control with Nematodes
We control grubs using beneficial nematodes, a natural biological treatment that targets grubs in the soil without harming people, pets or the environment.
Nematodes actively seek out and eliminate grubs beneath the lawn, helping protect turf roots and prevent widespread damage.
Repairing Lawns Damaged by Grubs
Lawns damaged by grubs often recover best with aeration and overseeding, which help rebuild the root system and thicken the turf.
Once the grub problem is controlled, these services help rebuild the root system and improve overall lawn density.
Grub Control With Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that naturally target and eliminate grubs in the soil. Once applied to the lawn, they seek out grub larvae beneath the turf and stop them from continuing to damage the root system.
Because nematodes work underground, they help control grubs before large sections of lawn begin to die off. This treatment is safe for people, pets and the environment while protecting the lawn from further root damage.
What Causes Grubs in Lawns?
Grubs appear when beetles lay eggs in turf during the summer months. These eggs hatch into larvae that feed on grass roots beneath the soil surface.
Lawns are more likely to develop grub problems when:
• Turf is stressed from drought or heat
• Lawns are thin or patchy
• Beetles are active in the area during midsummer
Once grubs hatch, they feed on grass roots through late summer and early fall, which is when most lawn damage occurs.
Proper lawn care, including fertilization, overseeding, and aeration, can help lawns stay dense and more resistant to grub damage.
Leather Jackets
Leather Jacket Control
Leather jackets are the larvae of crane flies and can cause significant lawn damage in Southern Ontario. They live in the soil and thatch layer and feed on grass roots and shoots, which can cause lawns to thin out, yellow, or develop irregular brown and bare patches.
Damage is often most noticeable in the spring when overwintered leather jacket larvae become active and begin feeding heavily. Lawns with high populations may feel weak or thin, and birds may also tear at the turf while searching for the larvae.
Signs of Leather Jacket Damage
Common signs include:
- Thin or weak turf
- Yellowing or brown patches
- Bare areas that do not recover normally in spring
- Increased bird activity on the lawn
- Grass that pulls up more easily because of damaged roots
Leather jacket damage can sometimes look similar to grub damage, drought stress, or other lawn problems, so properly identifying the pest is important before treatment.
Leather Jacket Treatment
Beneficial nematodes can be used to help control leather jackets. The nematodes move through moist soil and infect susceptible larvae.
Timing is important. Treatments are generally more effective when leather jacket larvae are smaller and actively feeding, rather than after they have matured.
For best results, the lawn should be watered before treatment and kept moist afterward so the nematodes can move through the soil and reach the larvae.
When Should Leather Jackets Be Treated?
Leather jackets have a different life cycle than white grubs. Adult crane flies typically lay eggs in late summer and fall, with the larvae feeding through the fall and again the following spring.
Because younger larvae are easier to control, October is generally the best time to treat lawns with a known leather jacket problem.
If you are noticing thinning turf, bare patches, or unusually heavy bird activity, we can help determine whether leather jackets, white grubs, or another lawn issue may be responsible.