Insecticides can be used on your lawn to prevent unwanted damage by lawn grubs and caterpillars. Some lawn grubs may be relatively harmless, but more dangerous lawn grubs such as the Armyworm can march across your lawn, destroying it in less than two days if left untreated.
At The Lawn Shed, we pride ourselves on providing professional quality products, that work, to the home lawn owner and the turf industry. Here we will quickly run over what is an insecticide, what common lawn grubs and caterpillars attack lawns and the right products for those lawn grubs and caterpillars.
What is an insecticide?
Insecticides are products used to kill or control insects including lawn grubs and caterpillars. There are many different types of insecticides available, each with its advantages and disadvantages, but we can separate these down into 2 groups:
- Contact insecticides — As the name suggests, these are effective by making contact with the lawn grubs or caterpillar.
- Systemic insecticides — These type of lawn insecticides are damaging to lawn grubs and caterpillars that eat the lawn. They ingest the insecticide as they chew and this brings about their downfall.
What’s attacking my lawn
The next thing you need to know is that lawn grubs are actually larvae which turn into scarabs or black beetles and fly away. Whereas caterpillars, like Lawn Armyworm will turn into a moth. So just like the popular kids story The Very Hungry Caterpillar it’s these lawn grub and Caterpillar stages where the insect does almost all its damage.
It’s important to know what lawn grubs are attacking your pride and joy before reaching for an insecticide. The right product can give you a more targeted approach and achieve better results and that’s what we’re all after. If you’re unsure what lawn grubs or caterpillars are attacking your lawn then check out our blog on how to identify and control lawn grubs here.
Choosing a product for lawn grubs
Depending on the type of lawn grub or caterpillar you’re chasing, then this will end up deciding which insecticide is best for your lawn.
Insecticide product for lawn grubs like African Black Beetle
The gold standard of lawn insecticide is Acelepryn, a product applied to the lawn to provide season-long grub control with a single application. Providing up to six months of protection from one application, you can confidently apply it with the knowledge that you’re protected. It has an excellent safety and environmental profile and is a favourite of lawn lovers.
Insecticide product for caterpillars like Lawn Armyworm
Lawn Armyworm can devastate a lawn overnight, that’s why we need the fast knockdown power of a contact insecticide like Fortune Ultra. Be aware though, they will have left eggs in your lawn, under your eaves and just generally around your garden. So, they’ll be back to feast on your lawn in a matter of weeks, therefore it’s important to apply a more residual insecticide like Acelepryn as well.
Safety tips for using insecticides
Insecticides can be a helpful tool for controlling lawn grubs and caterpillars, but it’s important to use them safely. Be sure to always follow the label and if you have any questions contact our resident Lawn Genius.
Shop for lawn grub products on The Lawn Shed today
The Lawn Shed is your one-stop shop for all your insecticide needs. We carry a wide variety of products to suit any budget, and our knowledgeable staff are available to answer any questions you may have. We have what you need to knock out those pesky lawn grubs and caterpillars, keeping your lawn looking its best. In addition to our wide selection of insecticides, we also offer fertilisers to help your lawn grow.
