There are several types of insects that you may come across, but those listed here are among the most common.
White grubs
Photo credit: Jardinier paresseux
White grubs are beetle larvae found mainly in the soil, particularly in lawns and gardens. They thrive in the sunniest and driest areas.
- Colour: creamy white, with a brownish cap.
- Shape: thick, soft body, curved into a ‘C’ shape.
- Size: generally 1 to 4 cm, depending on the species and stage of development.
- Legs: three pairs of small legs near the head.
From late July to late August, when they are small and feeding close to the soil surface, they are easier to get rid of.
July is white grub prevention month.
- Patches of grass that have turned yellow or brown and come away easily from the ground.
- The presence of white grubs beneath the grass, near the roots.
- Increased activity by birds or animals digging in the lawn to feed on the grubs.
- Avoid mowing too short: maintaining a cutting height of around 7 to 8 cm promotes a more vigorous and better-rooted lawn.
- Avoid over-watering: very damp soil can encourage certain species to lay their eggs. Opt for less frequent but more thorough watering, as and when necessary.
- Monitor outdoor lighting: some beetles are attracted to light. Reducing outdoor lighting during summer evenings can help limit their attraction.
- Reduce vulnerable areas of lawn: diversify your garden design by incorporating flowerbeds and ground cover plants to reduce the area of lawn exposed to infestations.
In Quebec, the ideal time is generally between late July and mid-September, when the larvae are young. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
In the spring and fall, racoons, skunks and birds feed on white grubs and damage lawns. Minimize the damage by using a physical barrier (e.g., netting or a tarp) or by spreading a repellent on the ground. For instance: Critter Ridder, Fiche le Camp, Scent a Gone and hen manure-based Acti-sol contain a base of cayenne pepper or hen manure.
Ants
These small brown ants usually make their nests in flagstones or in asphalt cracks. They prefer dry sandy grass. Borax bait (or boric acid) is also very effective in destroying entire colonies of ants while being environmentally friendly.
Ants feed on the honeydew of aphids found in trees and other vegetation. This is why they protect them.
The ants prevent the aphids’ natural predators, such as lacewings, ladybugs and flower flies, from keeping the population in check.
The presence of ants does not put your tree’s health at risk. Dead wood from underlying issues attracts ants.
- Physical barrier preventing the ants from protecting the aphids
- Sticky collar around the tree
- Ecological products to control ants
- Boiling water poured on the ant hill
- Lemon or orange puree (juices mixed with the peelings).
- Borax in small containers near the colonies.
- Compost to the lawn; this will increase humidity and disturb the ants’ habitat.
- Around the foundations and in the house, sprinkle diatomaceous earth (Insectigone for instance) where the ants travel, around doorframes and window frames, and along the foundations. Repeat after a rainfall. Block outside holes with steel wool sprinkled with diatomaceous earth.