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13. I don't like grubs. What can I do?
Grubs PDF file
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| Baby June Beetle |
Description: The big White Grubs that ravage our lawns are in fact the larvae of the June Beetle (Phyllophaga anxia), the
European Chafer ( Amphimallon majalis ) or of the Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica). Actually, the species that does the
most damage in South Western Quebec is the European Chafer that has a one year cycle (look for the description of the ‘European
Chafer’).
The White Grubs prefer loose, sandy soil and dry, short grass. They are rarely found in compact soil that has long, thick
and well irrigated grass. Healthy lawns can tolerate a large number of White Grubs without showing any damage. On the other
hand, lawns that are already weakened by drought, Chinch Bugs or other stress factors will decline rapidly.
Adverse effects: The White Grubs eat the roots of grass and many other plants. If they are too numerous, the grass will
turn yellow and can be easily pulled out by hand. If this is the case, you can easily turn over the sod and see the larvae
at the root level. Skunks and Raccoons love to eat them and can cause further damage by digging holes to find the Grubs.
Affected plants: White Grubs feed on the roots of many plants but prefer the fibrous roots of grass.
Control: Apply nematodes (small microscopic worms) with a watering can. They can be bought from specialized companies
for natural control. The application of nematodes must be done in the evening, but not in sunny dry conditions. For better
results, the soil must be at least 15˚C and must also be very humid. The best time for the application is in August
or the beginning of September. Before applying nematodes, water your lawn very well, since the nematodes use the water on
the grass and the soil to move down to the insects. Once inside the White Grubs, the nematodes multiply and will kill the
White Grubs, by releasing deadly bacteria. The efficiency of the treatment may vary according to the nematodes species: Heterorhabditis
bacteriophora seems the most efficient against the European Chafer and Steinernema carpocapsae against the June Beetle. Researchers
are trying to market more aggressive species in the next few years.
It also seems that you can kill large quantities of White Grubs by passing a roller with spikes on your lawn, or by doing
mechanical aeration, as long as the grass thatch is not too thick.
Ants eat the eggs of White Grubs and certain birds such as Starlings or Black birds, feed on the larvae without doing
as much damage as the skunks!
Where can nematodes be bought?
* Many garden centers offer nematodes sold under the name of « Terranem » ( Koppert : (819) 693-8265 www.koppert.nl (terranem)
* You can order them by mail from NIC (Natural insect control) in Ontario (905) 382-2904 www.natural-insect-control.com
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3. Why plant Heritage plants?
By Robert Patrick
My wife Katherine and I plant them because they are:
1. Hardy to our climate.
2. Resist pests and many diseases.
3. Do not require chemical fertilizers
4. Simpler forms to genetic engineered
5. Curiosity I wanted to see what our ancestors had.
6. Now I want to keep them for future generations to enjoy.
7. The heirloom vegetables taste great
Where Do I obtain Heritage plants/seeds?
My first recommendation, would be for you to visit Seeds of Discovery, a charitable non- profit organization dedicated
to the preservation of heritage and heirloom plants through member seed exchange. Their WEB site is www.seeds.ca . Membership
is $35.00 a year or $25.00 if you are on a fixed income. P.O. Box 36 Station Q Toronto ON M4T 2L7 telephone 905-623-0353 toll
free 1- 866-509-7333
We have dealt very successfully with the Ogden Family’s Cook’s Garden. Their WEB site is www.cooksgarden.com
Box 535 Londonderry Vermont 05148 Telephone 802-824-3400. Although this is an US enterprise it is very good to work with.
There are some limitations on seeds that they are allowed to send to Canada and they are able to guide you in your selection.
We purchase Lettuces. Many other American seed companies do not assist in this fashion.
In early spring Katherine and I make two trips each year in opposite directions from Oakville. We visit Richter’s
Herbs in Goodwood and Wild Things Plant Farm in Clifford/Mount Forest.
Richter’s WEB Site is www.richters.com 357 High Way 47 Goodwood Ontario. We by potted plants although Richters
also sells seeds. We have had great success with Richter’s plant material in our Oakville red clay.
Wild Things is owned and operated by John Harris and Nina Aprile. John specializes in Heirloom Tomatoes and Nina in over
1,200 varieties of natives. flowering plants and shrubs. The plants are sold potted. This is not seed house. It is a picnic
destination as it is a nursery in the woods. Wild Things is located at 9688 Baseline Rd. Clifford Telephone 518-338-3228 wild.things@sympatico.ca
e-mail. I do not think they have a WEB site yet.
When you visit the Seeds of Diversity site they list 9 pages of companies in Canada and the US. Have fun shopping heritage
and heirloom varieties.
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