The white larvae are the "little ones" of various species of beetles and feed on the fibers contained in the roots of our lawns. Their constant chewing causes the grass to wilt and turn brown. These grubs are the toughest thorn in the side a gardener can deal with.
Steps
Step 1. Keep your lawn healthy
It is the best deterrent against white maggots. Spread fertilizer regularly, take care of mulching (sprinkle the soil with straw, dry leaves or even manure to protect it from the sun or frost and to fertilize it), be careful not to mow the lawn too short and choose grass species that resist drought if you live in a dry climate.
Step 2. Allow the ground to breathe
Beetles prefer to lay their eggs in compact soils; a slightly loose soil will therefore be safer from the danger of larvae.
Step 3. Water thoroughly once a week
Irrigate the lawn until the first 2.5 centimeters of soil are saturated with water. This will ensure you have a healthy and resilient lawn!
Step 4. Monitor for signs of a white maggot infestation
When the larvae eat the roots of the grass, it withers and turns brown. The infested areas become soft and spongy, so much so that the grass clods will lift up very easily. Paying attention to these signs will allow you to check for the presence of larvae. In addition, animals such as skunks and birds will be lured to your lawn in search of food and will turn the sod to extract the larvae. It is important to determine the exact species of larvae that infest your garden: each larva has its own specific treatment and only the application of the correct remedies will ensure effective disinfestation.
Step 5. Use Paenibacillus popilliae spores
It is a natural solution in granular form. Sprinkle the granules all over the lawn. The spores will attack the larvae, killing them. Keep in mind, however, that this method is only effective against Japanese beetle larvae (Popillia japonica), while nothing can against other species.
Step 6. Use nematodes
Like the spores of Paenibacillus popilliae, nematodes are enemies of only a few species of larvae. Follow the directions on the label carefully when using them. Nematodes are very delicate, must be handled with care and used early: remember that they are living beings. There are 12 thousand species, some more effective than others: well documented before proceeding with the purchase.
Step 7. Use the "stingers of death"
This is one of my favorite methods because it is easy to apply and respects the environment. All you have to do is slip on a pair of spiked lawn shoes (they should be for aerating the soil, but they don't really work that way) and walk the length and breadth of your yard four or five times. Such shoes have stingers 5 cm long by 1 cm in diameter. Since many of the larvae feast on the roots of your lawn at a depth of between one and six centimeters, this method is a good way to skewer them and control their population. Spiked lawn shoes are safe to use if there are animals around, especially since you don't have to use dangerous pesticides to kill the larvae.
Step 8. Try a mixture of diatomaceous earth and powdered soap, with a ratio of 6/9 kg per 100 square meters
Alternatively, use a spoonful of pyrethrum diluted in 4 liters of water. Then spray the mixture you have prepared on the lawn area infested with larvae.
Step 9. Help the lawn stay warm
Apply a potassium-rich fertilizer (for example, based on seaweed) to your lawn during autumn and winter. This will help your lawn stay healthy and strong through the warm season.
Step 10. Use chemicals
Ask your trusted gardener for advice on the best products on the market. However, I do not approve of this expedient, since the use of chemicals has a strong impact on the health of the ecosystem of your lawn, on the surrounding areas, even on your children, on your family and on your pets.
