8 Best Garden Grub Killers 2025 in the United States

The Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer is a solid choice for homeowners looking to protect their lawns from grubs and other pests. It contains granules that are easy to apply, especially when used with Scotts spreaders. One application in the spring or early summer can cover up to 10,000 square feet, providing up to 4 months of protection.

This makes it quite efficient in terms of both labor and coverage area. The product is not only effective against grubs but also targets a variety of other insects like armyworms, sod webworms, chinch bugs, and beetles, which can be advantageous for comprehensive lawn care.

While the product is highly effective in preventing root and turf damage caused by insects, it would be beneficial to check the specific active ingredient and any related safety information to ensure it aligns with your environmental and pet safety preferences.

Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer is a versatile product in the garden-grub-killers category, designed to address a variety of insect issues including ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, grubs, and more. One of its primary strengths is its impressive coverage area, effectively treating up to 16,500 square feet, which is ideal for larger lawns or gardens. The application method involves using a Scotts Spreader, making it relatively straightforward to apply, though it requires an additional tool if you don't already possess one. The product comes in a granular form, which is typically easy to spread and manage.

Another significant benefit is the long-term control it offers, providing up to 6 months of protection against certain ants, although it does exclude some types like pharaoh, carpenter, and harvester ants. This residual effect can save users from the hassle of frequent reapplications.

A notable consideration is the safety aspect. While effective, it's important to understand how it affects pets and wildlife that may come into contact with treated areas. Users should ensure the insecticide is properly watered in and the area is dry before allowing pets or wildlife to return to avoid any adverse effects. In terms of environmental impact, like many chemical insecticides, there may be concerns, so it might not be the first choice for eco-conscious users. The product is manufactured by The Scotts Company LLC, indicating general satisfaction with its performance.

The Syngenta Acelepryn SC is a garden grub killer designed to target a variety of pests including white grubs, caterpillars, and Japanese beetle adults. The active ingredient, Chlorantraniliprole, comprises 18.4% of the product and is known for its effectiveness in pest control. A significant strength is the season-long protection it offers with a single application, making it both cost-effective and convenient for users who prefer minimal maintenance.

The product's coverage area is substantial, with 0.18 fl. oz. treating 1,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for large lawns, turfgrass, and gardens. The easy-to-use bottle with a built-in measuring chamber simplifies the application process for users, ensuring accurate dosage and less waste. In terms of safety and environmental impact, Acelepryn SC stands out as it poses no known risks to beneficial organisms like earthworms and honey bees, making it a pet and wildlife-friendly option.

However, one potential drawback is the relatively small bottle size of 4 ounces, which might require multiple purchases for extensive areas. Additionally, while the product ranks well in customer satisfaction (4.5 out of 5 stars from 43 ratings), it is positioned at #207 in the Insect & Pest Repellent Spray Concentrates category, indicating there may be more popular alternatives available. This product is best suited for homeowners looking for a long-lasting, effective, and environmentally conscious solution to garden pests.