It’s that time of year when damage from Japanese Beetles is starting to show in lawns, gardens, flower beds, and on rose bushes specifically. Adult Japanese beetles feed on numerous trees and shrubs, while the larvae (white grub) is most destructive to lawns. With the use of Milky Spore, a naturally occurring soil bacterium, homeowners can eliminate the white grub population in their yard and subsequently the population of Japanese beetles.
Here are some most frequently asked questions about Milky Spore.
Q: What is Milky Spore?
A: Milky Spore is a naturally occurring bacterium that affects Japanese beetle grubs yet does not harm humans or pets.
Q: How does Milky Spore work and how long does it last?
A: Milky Spore begins working as soon as it is applied, as long as grubs are feeding. Once grubs ingest Milky Spore they die, releasing several billion more spores into the soil to control future generations of grubs. Control increases as the Milky Spore grows and divides and populates the soil. Once a good population is established in a lawn, Milky Spore has been known to last 15 to 20 years.
Q: Do I need to water in Milky Spore?
A: It is recommended that you lightly water in the spore as soon as possible after it has been applied. This will help move the spores into the soil so they can begin to work. It’s a good idea to do this prior to mowing so the spores are not blown around by the mower.
Q: Can I use Milky Spore in my vegetable garden?
A: YES! Milky Spore is harmless to food crops. It is not a chemical pesticide. It may be used in gardens, around ponds, and near wells.
Q: Should we keep our pets off the lawn?
A: The USDA states that Milky Spore is completely safe and non-toxic. It does not affect pets, beneficial insects, fish, birds, bees, plants, or humans. It is not a poison.
Q: Can I cut my grass after Milky Spore has been applied?
A: Yes, but do not mow your grass until the spore dust has been watered into the soil because the mower may blow away areas of concentrated Milky Spore.
Q: Will chemical herbicides and insecticides affect the Spore?
A: No, herbicides and insecticides will not affect Milky Spore. However, applying an insecticide is discouraged because it may kill the grubs before Milky Spore has had a chance to infect the grubs. Long-term, safe control with Milky Spore requires grubs to be infected with the spore so it can spread and multiply.
Q: Do beetle larvae feed more aggressively in Fall?
A: Yes, grubs tend to feed more actively while they are young, which is roughly for 6-8 weeks during the late summer and early fall. In the spring, grubs will feed for about a 3-4 week period prior to emerging from the lawn as adult beetles.
Q: What if my yard is treated but my neighbor’s isn’t?
A: Your lawn will be protected even if you are surrounded by untreated property. It would be better for the neighbors and neighborhoods to be treated to not only ensure lawn protection, but to help minimize adult beetle population as well.