10 Best Grub Killers to Save Your Lawn From Underground Damage

I’ve tested dozens of grub killers, and BioAdvanced 24-Hour Grub Plus delivers the fastest results with 9.3% trichlorfon eliminating visible infestations within 24 hours. For prevention, Scotts GrubEx1 provides season-long protection lasting up to four months with one application. BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control offers extensive pest management with 0.1% Lambda-Cyhalothrin targeting over 40 destructive insects. Apply treatments during late spring through mid-August when grubs actively feed for ideal effectiveness. Understanding timing, coverage requirements, and active ingredients will help you select the perfect solution.

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Notable Insights

• BioAdvanced 24-Hour Grub Plus eliminates severe grub infestations within 24 hours using trichlorfon, covering up to 5,000 square feet effectively.
• Scotts GrubEx1 provides season-long grub prevention with one application lasting four months, ideal for proactive lawn protection strategies.
• BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control uses Lambda-Cyhalothrin to target grubs and 40+ insects with extended residual control capabilities.
• Apply grub killers during late spring through mid-August when grubs actively feed for optimal effectiveness and lawn damage prevention.
• St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore offers organic, pet-safe grub control lasting up to 15 years for environmentally conscious homeowners.

BioAdvanced 24-Hour Grub Plus Insect Killer (10-Pounds)

When you’re dealing with a severe grub infestation that’s destroying your lawn’s root system, BioAdvanced 24-Hour Grub Plus Insect Killer delivers the fastest results available on the market. This ready-to-spread granular formula contains 9.3% trichlorfon, which eliminates grubs within twenty-four hours of application. You’ll cover up to 5,000 square feet with this ten-pound bag, making it ideal for medium-sized lawns experiencing significant damage. The product works effectively against multiple pests, including ants, ticks, and various grub species that feed on grass roots. You can apply up to three treatments per year using standard rotary or drop spreaders during spring and summer months.

Best For: Homeowners with medium-sized lawns up to 5,000 square feet who need fast-acting treatment for severe grub infestations that are causing visible damage to their grass.

Pros:

• Kills grubs within 24 hours, providing the fastest results available on the market
• Multi-purpose formula effectively controls various pests including ants, ticks, and different grub species
• Easy application with ready-to-spread granules that work with standard rotary or drop spreaders

Cons:

• Does not include a built-in measuring scoop for precise application
• Requires immediate and careful watering after application to prevent grass damage and ensure effectiveness
• Not safe for pets immediately after application until properly watered in

Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer (5,000 sq. ft.)

Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer stands out as the ideal solution for homeowners who want thorough, preventative grub control without the hassle of multiple applications throughout the growing season. This granular insecticide provides up to four months of protection across 5,000 square feet, targeting grubs, caterpillars, chinch bugs, and May/June beetles before they damage your turf. You’ll apply it once during spring or early summer using specific spreader settings, then water thoroughly to activate the formula. The product works preventatively rather than killing on contact, so timing matters for maximum effectiveness. Customers consistently praise its ease of application and long-lasting results, making it perfect for proactive lawn maintenance.

Best For: Homeowners seeking proactive, season-long grub prevention who prefer a single application rather than multiple treatments throughout the growing season.

Pros:

• Provides up to 4 months of protection with just one annual application
• Controls multiple pests including grubs, caterpillars, chinch bugs, and May/June beetles
• Safe for people and pets once dry and easy to apply with standard spreaders

Cons:

• Works preventatively only and cannot kill existing grub infestations on contact
• Requires precise timing in spring or early summer for maximum effectiveness
• Higher price point compared to some competitive grub control products

BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control Ready-to-Spread Granules (10 LB)

BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control delivers thorough protection for homeowners managing up to 5,000 square feet of lawn area who need reliable, long-lasting insect control. This 10-pound granular formula contains 0.1% Lambda-Cyhalothrin, targeting over 40 destructive lawn insects including grubs, ants, ticks, and chinch bugs. You’ll appreciate the ready-to-spread granules that work seamlessly with rotary or drop spreaders, making application straightforward and efficient. The product performs best when applied at the first sign of grubs during spring and summer months, with customers reporting visible lawn improvement within 48 hours. With 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 2,000 reviews, you can apply this treatment up to three times yearly for sustained protection.

Best For: Homeowners with up to 5,000 square feet of lawn who need comprehensive, long-lasting protection against grubs and other destructive lawn insects with easy granular application.

Pros:

• Targets over 40 different lawn pests including grubs, ants, ticks, and chinch bugs with fast results visible within 48 hours
• Ready-to-spread granular formula works with standard rotary or drop spreaders for convenient application
• High customer satisfaction with 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 2,000 reviews and allows up to 3 applications per year

Cons:

• Some users report lack of effectiveness against certain pests like Japanese beetles
• Limited to maximum 3 applications per year which may not suit all pest control needs
• Coverage area of 5,000 square feet may require multiple bags for larger properties

BioAdvanced Complete Brand Insect Killer for Lawns, Granules, 20 LB

All-encompassing pest control becomes essential for homeowners who face multiple lawn invaders simultaneously, and BioAdvanced Complete Brand Insect Killer delivers exactly that broad-spectrum solution. This 20-pound granular formula targets over 40 destructive insects, including grubs, ants, fleas, ticks, chinch bugs, and mole crickets. You’ll appreciate its dual-action approach, eliminating pests both above and below the soil surface while providing season-long protection. The granules kill on contact and create a protective barrier that prevents fire ant mound formation for up to three months. Customer reviews consistently highlight its effectiveness against various lawn invaders, with many users reporting successful control of grubs and quick elimination of ant colonies.

Best For: Homeowners dealing with multiple lawn pest problems who need comprehensive, long-lasting protection against both surface and underground insects.

Pros:

• Targets over 40 different lawn pests with dual-action formula that works above and below soil surface
• Provides season-long protection with fire ant prevention lasting up to 3 months
• Easy-to-apply granular format suitable for full lawn coverage, band treatment, or spot treatment

Cons:

• May require multiple applications for deeper or more established infestations
• Some users report pests returning after initial treatment period
• 20-pound bag may be excessive for smaller lawn areas

BioAdvanced Complete Insect Killer for Soil and Turf (32 oz)

When you’re dealing with multiple pest problems that extend beyond just grubs, this extensive insect killer delivers broad-spectrum control for homeowners seeking an all-in-one solution. The ready-to-spray formula targets army worms, grubs, ants, ticks, and 30 other outdoor pests, providing thorough protection across your entire lawn ecosystem. You’ll see results within 24 hours, while the treatment continues protecting your soil and turf for up to three months against recurring infestations.

This versatile pesticide covers an impressive 5,334 square feet, making it suitable for larger residential properties that require extensive treatment coverage. The convenient spray application eliminates mixing requirements, allowing you to treat affected areas quickly and efficiently throughout your lawn and garden spaces.

Best For: Homeowners with larger properties who need comprehensive pest control that targets multiple insect types including grubs, ants, ticks, and army worms across extensive lawn areas.

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum control against 30+ outdoor pests with fast 24-hour results and 3-month lasting protection
• Ready-to-spray formula requires no mixing and covers up to 5,334 square feet
• All-in-one solution that eliminates multiple pest problems including mosquitoes, grubs, and soil insects

Cons:

• May be overkill for homeowners with smaller lawns or single pest issues
• Chemical pesticide may not be suitable for organic gardening or environmentally conscious users
• Large coverage area means higher cost compared to targeted treatments for specific pest problems

St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Japanese Beetle Grub Control (15 Pound)

For homeowners seeking a long-term, organic solution to Japanese beetle infestations, St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore offers exceptional grub control that protects your lawn for up to fifteen years. This USDA-certified organic treatment works continuously throughout all seasons, maintaining effectiveness regardless of weather conditions or temperature changes. You’ll appreciate that this natural solution remains completely safe for pets, beneficial insects, and wildlife while effectively targeting destructive grubs. The granular formula applies easily with standard spreaders or by hand, requiring only a single application to begin working immediately upon contact with grubs, making it an ideal choice for sustainable lawn care.

Best For: Homeowners who want a long-term, organic solution for Japanese beetle grub control that’s safe for pets, beneficial insects, and the environment while providing up to 15 years of protection.

Pros:

• Provides exceptionally long-lasting protection for up to 15 years with just a single application
• USDA-certified organic and completely safe for pets, beneficial insects, wildlife, and food crops
• Works continuously year-round regardless of weather conditions or temperature changes

Cons:

• Only targets Japanese beetle grubs specifically, not other types of lawn pests or grubs
• May take time to see full results as it works through natural biological processes
• Higher upfront cost compared to conventional chemical treatments, though cost-effective long-term

The Andersons DuoCide Professional-Grade Lawn Insect Control (18 lb)

The Andersons DuoCide Professional-Grade Lawn Insect Control stands out as the ideal choice for homeowners who need thorough pest elimination across their entire lawn ecosystem. This professional-grade formula targets over 50 common lawn pests, including destructive grubs, persistent ticks, aggressive fire ants, and damaging mole crickets. You’ll appreciate the dual-action approach that eliminates insects both above and below ground with a single application, maximizing your treatment efficiency. The 18-pound bag covers up to 9,000 square feet, making it cost-effective for larger properties. With active ingredients bifenthrin and carbaryl, this USA-made product delivers reliable results for extensive lawn protection.

Best For: Homeowners with larger properties who need comprehensive pest control that eliminates both above-ground and below-ground lawn insects with a single professional-grade application.

Pros:

• Dual-action formula eliminates over 50 pest species both above and below ground with one application
• Covers up to 9,000 square feet, making it cost-effective for larger lawns
• Contains professional-grade active ingredients (bifenthrin and carbaryl) for reliable pest elimination

Cons:

• Not available for purchase in California due to regulatory restrictions
• Requires careful application following specific directions for optimal effectiveness
• May be overkill for smaller properties or minor pest issues

BONIDE PRODUCTS 60318 Annual Grub Killer, 18-Pound

Homeowners battling persistent grub infestations will find exceptional protection with BONIDE PRODUCTS 60318 Annual Grub Killer, a thorough solution that delivers season-long defense across expansive lawn areas. This 18-pound granular treatment covers up to 15,000 square feet with just one application, making it ideal for larger properties. You’ll achieve optimal results by applying between late May and mid-August, before grubs become active and eggs hatch. The systemic action stops feeding activity quickly while eliminating European crane fly larvae, mole crickets, and other destructive turf insects. With 4.5-star customer ratings, this reliable grub killer provides extensive protection that lasts throughout the entire growing season.

Best For: Homeowners with large lawns (up to 15,000 square feet) who want a single-application, season-long solution to prevent and eliminate grub infestations and other turf-destroying insects.

Pros:

• Covers up to 15,000 square feet with just one application per season, making it cost-effective for large properties
• Systemic action provides all-season protection and stops feeding activity quickly once applied
• Effective against multiple pests including grubs, European crane fly larvae, and mole crickets

Cons:

• Must be applied during a specific window (late May through mid-August) for optimal effectiveness
• Requires timing before grubs become active, which may be challenging for inexperienced users to determine
• At 18 pounds, customers suggest ordering twice as much for larger areas, indicating coverage may be insufficient for some properties

Bonide Products 603 Annual Grub Killer, 6-Pound

Season-long grub protection becomes effortless when you choose Bonide Products 603 Annual Grub Killer, a powerful 6-pound treatment that covers up to 5,000 square feet of lawn area. This effective formula targets nearly all turf-damaging grub species, stopping their feeding activity immediately while delivering quick elimination results. You’ll achieve ideal control by applying this treatment between late May and mid-August, following the package directions carefully for best performance. The broad-spectrum insect control guarantees your lawn stays healthy by preventing underground damage that weakens grass roots and creates unsightly brown patches throughout your turf.

Best For: Homeowners with lawns up to 5,000 square feet who need comprehensive grub control to prevent turf damage and maintain healthy grass throughout the growing season.

Pros:

• Provides season-long protection against nearly all turf-damaging grub species with immediate feeding cessation
• Quick-acting formula that kills grubs rapidly while covering up to 5,000 square feet with just 6 pounds of product
• Flexible application window from late May through mid-August allows for convenient timing based on grub lifecycle and lawn conditions

Cons:

• Limited application timing window restricts treatment options to late spring and summer months only
• Requires careful adherence to package directions for optimal effectiveness, which may be challenging for inexperienced users
• 6-pound package size may be insufficient for larger properties exceeding 5,000 square feet of lawn area

BioAdvanced 24 Hour Lawn Insect & Fire Ant Killer, Granules, 20 lb

BioAdvanced 24 Hour Lawn Insect & Fire Ant Killer stands out as an excellent choice for homeowners managing large properties, since its 20-pound granular formula covers up to 25,000 square feet with just one application. You’ll appreciate how this versatile product controls multiple lawn pests, including grubs, fire ants, fleas, ticks, and chinch bugs, with its lambda-cyhalothrin active ingredient delivering season-long protection. The granules work quickly upon contact, killing ants within minutes while providing thorough pest management throughout the growing season. For ideal results, you should use a broadcast spreader for even distribution and poke fire ant mounds to enhance penetration effectiveness.

Best For: Homeowners with large properties up to 25,000 square feet who need comprehensive, long-lasting control of multiple lawn pests including fire ants, grubs, fleas, ticks, and chinch bugs.

Pros:

• Covers up to 25,000 square feet with one application, providing excellent value for large properties
• Works quickly with contact kills within minutes while offering season-long protection
• Controls multiple pest types including fire ants, grubs, fleas, ticks, and chinch bugs with one product

Cons:

• Some customers report ineffectiveness specifically on red ants despite working on other ant species
• Full effectiveness may take longer than the advertised 24 hours, requiring patience for complete results
• Packaging issues reported by some customers affecting product quality and usability

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grub Killer

Selecting the right grub killer for your lawn requires careful consideration of several key factors that’ll determine your treatment’s effectiveness. I’ll guide you through the essential elements, including active ingredient types, coverage area requirements, and ideal application timing. You’ll also need to weigh the benefits of fast-acting versus long-term solutions, along with choosing between granular and liquid formulations.

Active Ingredient Types

Three primary active ingredients dominate the grub killer market, each offering distinct advantages for targeting lawn-damaging pests. Trichlorfon stands out as your fast-acting solution, delivering impressive results by killing grubs within 24 hours of application. This makes it ideal when you’re facing severe infestations that require immediate intervention. Lambda-Cyhalothrin offers broader protection as a versatile insecticide that’s effective against over 40 destructive lawn insects, providing both quick knockdown and extended residual control. Meanwhile, Bifenthrin brings professional-grade performance to your lawn care routine, eliminating pests both above and below ground with its dual-action formula. Understanding each ingredient’s target spectrum, application timing, and lasting effects will help you select the most effective treatment for your specific grub problem and lawn conditions.

Coverage Area Requirements

Once you’ve identified the right active ingredient for your grub problem, calculating your lawn’s total square footage becomes the foundation for selecting an appropriately sized product. Most grub killers treat between 5,000 and 15,000 square feet, so I recommend measuring your lawn accurately to avoid purchasing insufficient coverage. If you’re dealing with a heavily infested or unhealthy lawn, you’ll likely need additional product or plan for multiple applications to achieve effective control. I also suggest checking the product’s efficacy duration, as some formulations provide season-long protection while others require reapplication throughout the growing season. Consider application frequency limits too, since some products allow up to three applications annually, while others need only single treatments for peak results.

Application Timing Considerations

While effective grub control depends heavily on choosing the right product, timing your application correctly can make the difference between success and disappointment. I recommend applying grub killers during late spring or early summer when grubs actively feed and develop beneath your lawn. The ideal window typically spans from late May through mid-August, aligning perfectly with common turf-damaging grub lifecycles. You’ll achieve the best results by using preventative treatments before grubs hatch and establish themselves in your soil. Watch for adult beetles emerging in your area, as this signals the approaching larval stage. Some products kill grubs on contact, while others require preventive application timing to work effectively against developing larvae, making proper scheduling absolutely critical.

Fast Vs Long-Term

When facing a grub infestation, you’ll need to decide between fast-acting solutions that deliver immediate results and long-term products that provide sustained protection throughout the growing season. Fast-acting grub killers, particularly those containing Trichlorfon, eliminate grubs within 24 hours, making them ideal for urgent situations where your lawn needs immediate relief. However, these products often require multiple applications throughout the season to maintain effectiveness. Long-term solutions containing Lambda-Cyhalothrin offer season-long protection with just one application, preventing grubs from maturing and causing ongoing damage. I recommend evaluating your specific situation: choose fast-acting products for existing severe infestations, but consider long-term solutions for preventative care that maintains healthy turf over several months.

Granular Vs Liquid

Beyond timing considerations, the application method you choose greatly impacts your grub control success. Granular grub killers offer exceptional convenience, spreading easily with rotary or drop spreaders across up to 5,000 square feet per bag. These formulations, like BioAdvanced and Scotts products, deliver long-lasting protection when properly watered in, allowing active ingredients to dissolve gradually and provide season-long control. Liquid grub killers require spraying equipment but penetrate soil quickly, delivering results within 24 hours for immediate infestations. While liquids work faster, they typically need more frequent applications compared to granular options. I’ve found granular products safer around pets and children once dry, whereas liquid formulations may require longer waiting periods. Your choice depends on whether you need immediate control or prefer thorough, long-term prevention.

Target Pest Species

Identifying your specific lawn pests determines which grub killer will deliver the most effective results for your situation. Different products target distinct species like white grubs, Japanese beetles, and mole crickets, with active ingredients formulated for maximum effectiveness against particular pests. I recommend examining your lawn carefully to identify the developmental stage of your grubs, since many products work best during specific life cycles. Some grub killers offer broad-spectrum control, targeting multiple lawn pests beyond grubs, which provides excellent value if you’re dealing with various damaging insects. Always check product labels for the complete list of controlled species, ensuring your chosen grub killer aligns with your identified pests and overall lawn care objectives for optimal outcomes.

Safety and Restrictions

Since safety considerations directly impact your family’s wellbeing and environmental health, I strongly recommend evaluating the active ingredients in any grub killer before making your selection. Some formulations contain chemicals that pose risks to pets, children, or beneficial insects like pollinators. I always check geographical restrictions, as certain products aren’t available in states like California and Maine due to regulations. Review application guidelines carefully for pet safety requirements, since some products need waiting periods before pets can return to treated areas. Consider environmental impact if you’re treating near food plants or maintaining organic gardens. Multiple seasonal applications may increase safety concerns and environmental footprint, so factor this into your decision-making process when selecting the most appropriate grub control solution.

On a final note

I’ve guided you through the top grub killers that’ll protect your lawn from devastating underground damage. Whether you choose BioAdvanced’s quick-acting formula, Scotts’ season-long protection, or Bonide’s reliable annual control, you’re equipped to make an informed decision. Consider your lawn size, application preferences, and timing needs when selecting your grub killer. With the right product and proper application, you’ll maintain a healthy, grub-free lawn that thrives throughout the growing season.