Grub Control in Ontario: Stop Pests Before They Destroy Your Lawn This Fall

Few lawn pests strike fear into Ontario homeowners like grubs. These tiny, white, C-shaped larvae may look harmless, but they can devastate a lawn in late summer and fall by chewing away at grassroots. Left untreated, grubs can quickly turn a thick, green lawn into brown patches — and even invite skunks and raccoons to tear up your yard searching for a meal.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to spot grub damage early, why fall is the most critical time for grub control, and what solutions actually work for Ontario lawns.

🐛 What Are Grubs?

Grubs are the larvae of beetles such as:

• Japanese beetles
• June bugs
• European chafers

They live just beneath the soil surface and feed on grassroots, leaving your lawn weak and patchy.

🚨 Signs of Lawn Grub Damage

It’s easy to mistake grub damage for drought stress — but look closely for these red flags:

• Brown patches that don’t green up with watering
• Soft, spongy turf that lifts up like a carpet
• Birds, skunks, or raccoons digging up the lawn at night
• Thinning grass even with proper watering and fertilization

👉 If you can peel back the turf and see 5–10 grubs per square foot, it’s time for action.

🍂 Why Fall Is the Best Time for Grub Control in Ontario

Timing matters. Grubs are most active in late summer through early fall, when they’re close to the soil surface and feeding heavily.

✔️ Easier to target: Young grubs are smaller and more vulnerable.
✔️ Prevents spring damage: Stopping grubs now reduces the population before they overwinter.
✔️ Protects your fall overseeding and fertilizing efforts.

✅ Effective Grub Control Methods

1. Beneficial Nematodes (Eco-Friendly Option)

• Microscopic organisms that hunt and kill grubs naturally.
• Best applied in late summer/early fall when soil is moist.
• Safe for kids, pets, and pollinators.

2. Insecticide Treatments (Professional Application)

• Fast-acting solutions for severe infestations.
• Applied with specialized equipment for deep soil penetration.
• Works best when timed properly (August–September).

3. Cultural Practices

• Core aeration to disrupt grub habitat.
• Overseeding to thicken turf and crowd out pests.
• Proper fertilization to strengthen grassroots.

🧰 Pro Tip: Combine Control with Lawn Repair

Grub control stops pests, but you’ll still need to repair damaged areas. Overseeding and fertilizing after treatment helps fill bare patches and restore lawn density before winter.

👉 Learn more: Overseeding 101: How to Repair Summer Lawn Damage Before Fall

🏡 Professional Grub Control in Ontario

At Contract Link, we provide safe and effective grub control solutions across Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge, Hamilton, Brantford, and surrounding areas.

✔️ Eco-friendly nematode applications
✔️ Professional-grade insecticide treatments (if required)
✔️ Lawn repair packages with aeration and overseeding
✔️ Seasonal lawn care programs to prevent future infestations

👉 Book Your Grub Control Service Today

Don’t let grubs destroy your lawn this fall — stop them before they spread. 🐛🌱