Insecticide

Curl grubs, armyworm and lawn beetles do most of their damage underground or overnight — by the time you see the brown patches, they’ve already been at it for weeks. These insecticides knock them back and protect new growth.

Targets curl grubs, armyworm, African black beetle and more
Concentrate and ready-to-use formats
Brands include Syngenta and SureFire

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a contact and a systemic insecticide?
A contact insecticide kills pests it touches directly or that walk across a treated surface; it acts quickly but does not last long. A systemic insecticide is taken up into the plant, so sap-sucking and chewing pests are controlled as they feed, with longer protection. Many garden products blend both modes of action.

What controls lawn grubs and armyworm?
Lawn armyworm and sod webworm are controlled with a registered turf insecticide – a synthetic pyrethroid such as bifenthrin for fast knockdown, or a longer-residual product for season-long protection. Water the lawn before and after applying, treat late in the day when the caterpillars become active, and check again after a week.

Are these insecticides safe to use around pets and children?
Follow the label. Most require that people and pets stay off the treated area until the spray has completely dried, typically a few hours. Store all products locked away from children and animals, and never apply near fish ponds or waterways. Withholding periods and restrictions vary by product, so read the safety directions before you buy.

How do I choose the right insecticide for my pest?
Identify the pest first, then match the product to it – the same chemical rarely covers chewing caterpillars, sap-sucking aphids and scale, mites, and soil-dwelling grubs equally well. Each product page lists the active ingredient and the pests it is registered for. If you are unsure, note where the damage is – leaf, stem, root, or lawn surface – and what the pest looks like.

What size should I buy?
A 250 mL to 1 L concentrate covers repeated home-garden use for a season or more, since most are diluted heavily. 5 L and larger packs are for acreage, commercial operators and frequent users. Because opened concentrates have a shelf life, it is better to buy a size you will use within a year or two than to over-buy.