We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

4 Best Grub Killer For Lawns 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer, Protects Lawns Up to 4 Months, 5,000 sq. ft., 14.35 lbs.

The Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer appears to be a solid choice for preventing turf damage caused by grubs and other lawn pests. One of its primary strengths is its active ingredient, Chlorantraniliprole, which is effective in killing young grubs and preventing their development for up to 4 months. This makes it convenient for lawn maintenance with just one application in the spring or early summer, covering a substantial area of 5,000 sq. ft.

The granular formulation allows for easy application with a spreader on a dry lawn, ensuring even distribution and effective pest control. Additionally, it targets a wide range of insects, including armyworms, chinchbugs, May/June beetles, and Japanese beetles, which can be beneficial for comprehensive lawn care.

A potential drawback is the environmental impact of chemical insecticides, which may not be suitable for those seeking organic or eco-friendly garden solutions. Furthermore, the product's weight of 14.35 lbs. might be cumbersome for some users to handle. In conclusion, Scotts GrubEx1 is effective and convenient for users needing a reliable solution to protect their lawns from a variety of pests, though it may not align with environmentally-conscious gardening practices.

#2

Bayer - Merit 0.5 Granular Systemic Insect Control - 30 Pound Bag

Rating
7.6
Formulation Type
Environmental Impact

Most important from
604 reviews

Formulation Type
Easy to apply, whether by hand or with a seeder, without causing a mess.
Environmental Impact
While highly effective, users should be aware of its strong impact on all insects, not just pests, and consider the environmental implications.

The Bayer Merit 0.5 Granular Systemic Insect Control is a reliable grub killer for lawns that comes in a 30-pound bag. Its active ingredient, Imidacloprid at 0.5%, is effective against a wide range of insects, including grubs, making it suitable for use on turfgrasses, trees, shrubs, evergreens, flowers, foliage plants, and ground covers. One of the key strengths of this product is its broad application range, allowing users to protect various parts of their garden and lawn from pests.

Additionally, it has received positive customer reviews, with a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 570 ratings, indicating a high level of satisfaction among users. The product is not discontinued and is backed by Bayer, a reputable manufacturer, ensuring its availability and reliability. However, users need to be mindful of the application limit, as it cannot exceed 80 pounds per acre per year to avoid overuse of the active ingredient. Being in granule form makes it easy to apply, but it might require careful handling to ensure even distribution.

In terms of environmental impact, while Imidacloprid is effective, there are concerns about its potential effects on beneficial insects like bees. Therefore, users should apply it responsibly and follow all guidelines to minimize any negative impacts on the environment. The product's large coverage area and systemic action make it a strong contender for those looking to manage grubs and other pests effectively in their lawns and gardens.

Rating
7.6
Formulation Type
Environmental Impact

Most important from
604 reviews

Formulation Type
Easy to apply, whether by hand or with a seeder, without causing a mess.
Environmental Impact
While highly effective, users should be aware of its strong impact on all insects, not just pests, and consider the environmental implications.
#3

Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer1, Kills Ants, Spiders, Ticks, Fleas, Armyworms and Grubs, Treats up to 16,500 sq. ft., 10 lb.

Rating
7.3
Active Ingredient
Coverage Area

Most important from
14383 reviews

Active Ingredient
Bifenthrin, the active ingredient in this product, is a long-established and highly effective insecticide, widely used by pest control professionals.
Coverage Area
Ortho BugClear offers nearly double the Bifenthrin compared to other products, providing outstanding value and extensive coverage for your lawn.

The Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer1 is a versatile and effective solution for homeowners looking to control a variety of pests, including ants, spiders, ticks, fleas, armyworms, and notably, grubs. With 10 pounds of granules that treat up to 16,500 square feet, this product offers substantial coverage, making it suitable for medium to large lawns.

An advantage of this product is its 6-month control against ants, although it doesn't cover pharaoh, carpenter, and harvester ants. Users can apply it easily with a Scotts Spreader and should water it in after application to activate the granules. This product can be used beyond lawns, extending to ornamental plants, flower beds, home perimeters, and listed vegetable plants, which adds to its versatility.

While it is effective, users must be cautious about the types of ants it doesn't control. It's a great option for those needing broad-spectrum insect control in their lawn and garden.

Rating
7.3
Active Ingredient
Coverage Area

Most important from
14383 reviews

Active Ingredient
Bifenthrin, the active ingredient in this product, is a long-established and highly effective insecticide, widely used by pest control professionals.
Coverage Area
Ortho BugClear offers nearly double the Bifenthrin compared to other products, providing outstanding value and extensive coverage for your lawn.

Buying Guide for the Best Grub Killer For Lawns

Choosing the right grub killer for your lawn is essential to maintaining a healthy and vibrant yard. Grubs can cause significant damage to your lawn by feeding on the roots of grass, leading to brown patches and weakened turf. When selecting a grub killer, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you pick the best product for your specific needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and effectively protect your lawn from grub damage.
Active IngredientThe active ingredient in a grub killer is the chemical component that targets and eliminates grubs. This spec is important because different active ingredients work in various ways and have different levels of effectiveness. Common active ingredients include Imidacloprid, Chlorantraniliprole, and Carbaryl. Imidacloprid is effective for preventive treatment, Chlorantraniliprole offers long-lasting protection, and Carbaryl is used for curative treatment. Choose an active ingredient based on whether you need to prevent future infestations or treat an existing problem.
Application TimingApplication timing refers to the best time of year to apply the grub killer for maximum effectiveness. This spec is crucial because applying the product at the wrong time can result in poor control of grubs. Generally, preventive treatments are applied in late spring to early summer, while curative treatments are applied in late summer to early fall when grubs are actively feeding. Determine the timing based on the lifecycle of grubs in your area and whether you are dealing with an active infestation or trying to prevent one.
Coverage AreaCoverage area indicates the amount of lawn space that a single package of grub killer can treat. This spec is important to ensure you purchase enough product to cover your entire lawn. Coverage is usually measured in square feet. Small lawns may only require a product that covers a few thousand square feet, while larger lawns may need a product that covers tens of thousands of square feet. Measure your lawn and choose a product that matches or exceeds the area you need to treat.
Formulation TypeFormulation type refers to the physical form of the grub killer, such as granules, liquid, or powder. This spec is important because different formulations have different application methods and ease of use. Granules are easy to spread with a lawn spreader and are often used for preventive treatments. Liquid formulations can be sprayed directly onto the lawn and are typically used for curative treatments. Powders may require mixing with water before application. Choose a formulation type based on your preference and the equipment you have available for application.
Environmental ImpactEnvironmental impact refers to the potential effects of the grub killer on the surrounding environment, including beneficial insects, pets, and water sources. This spec is important for those who are concerned about the ecological footprint of their lawn care products. Some grub killers are designed to be more environmentally friendly, with reduced toxicity to non-target organisms. Look for products labeled as safe for pets and wildlife, or those that have minimal impact on beneficial insects like bees. Choose a product that aligns with your environmental values and the specific needs of your lawn.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now