Neem oil is a natural remedy that can help control grubs in your lawn or garden without the need for chemical pesticides. Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil contains azadirachtin, which is its most active ingredient for insect pest control. It has multiple modes of action that make it an effective and generally nontoxic DIY pesticide for eliminating unwanted bugs. Using neem oil can disrupt insect development, interfere with molting and sexual processes, inhibit chitin formation, deter feeding, and repel or poison insects. This makes it a safer solution for getting rid of grubs before they become a major issue.
To use neem oil, dilute it according to package directions and spray it directly on the soil where grubs are causing damage. Apply the diluted neem oil every seven days for active infestations or every 14 days as a preventative measure. Avoid spraying neem oil on flowering plants to prevent harming bees and other pollinators. Keep in mind that neem oil may have a pungent odor and acts slowly as a growth inhibitor rather than a fast-acting poison.
Other natural remedies for grubs include pyrethrum, milky spore, Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), and beneficial nematodes. Each of these alternatives has its own downsides, so neem oil can be a good option if you prefer a safer and more effective solution for controlling grubs.
How to use neem oil, and when you might not want to
