Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix

4.5 out of 5 stars 92 Reviews | 93 Q&A

Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix
Price/Ea.
$54.77

Buy 2 or more: $52.31 each

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Average Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.6

92 Reviews | 93 Q&A

Product Overview

The product picture shown above is the NEW packaging for this product. Some websites still display the older, dark blue and yellow bag with a large grub on the front. The product is the same.

Milky Spore for Grubs provides safe and effective grub control which can remain active in the soil for as much as 20 years. To get this long lasting control you should apply Milky Spore at least 3 times a year for 2 years. You should apply Milky Spore grub control granules with a drop spreader in the Spring, Summer, and Fall for 2 years to create the long term residual. Each 20 lb bag of Milky Spore will cover 7000 square feet. Milky Spore is safe to use along with other herbicides and fertilizers and it is harmless to birds, bees, and fish. Safe to use around pools or ponds. Milky Spore contains Milky Spore disease bacterium (Bacillus popillae) that kills grubs in a way that is environmentally safe and highly recommended by professional and organic gardeners.

Features and Specs

Active Ingredient Spores of Bacillus Popilliae - 0.02%
Target pests Grubs (Japanese Beetle Larvae)
For use in Lawn and Garden
Application * See label for complete application instructions
Yield 20 lbs. will Treat 7,000 square feet
NOT FOR SALE TO AK, AZ, CA, DC, FL, HI, ID, LA, MI, MT, NV, NM, ND, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA, WY
Special Features Will Protect the Lawn for 15 to 20 years after 6 Applications over 2 Years
Shipping Weight 20.60 lbs
Manufacturer St. Gabriel Organics
UPC 699064800802

Details

MILKY SPORE -- Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How fast does the Spore work and how long does it last?
Milky Spore begins working as soon as it is applied as long as grubs are feeding. Once grubs are infected they will multiply the Spore by several billion times and spread it further. In warm climates good control can occur in one to three years. In colder areas like New England, three to five years. Once established in a lawn, Milky Spore has been known to last 15 to 20 years.

2. Will freezing ruin the Spore? What about heavy rain?
No, Milky Spore is not affected by freezing or other adverse environmental conditions. Heavy rain may wash away newly applied Spore dust necessitating retreatment.

3. Will fertilizer or chemical pesticides that have dursban and diazinon in them affect Spore?
Dursban and diazinon have been banned by the EPA as toxic to the environment. Milky Spore is safe for the environment and is not affected by pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. They may be applied at the same time.

4. Can I use it in the vegetable garden?
Yes, Milky Spore is harmless to food crops. It is not a chemical pesticide. It may be used in gardens, around pools and wells.

5. Should we keep our pets off the lawn?
Milky Spore does not affect pets, beneficial insects, fish, bees, birds, other animals, plants, or man. It is not a poison.

6. Can I mix the Spore with water and spray it?
Neither the Milky Spore powder nor the Milky Spore Spreader mix should be mixed with water and sprayed.

7. Can I cut my grass after applying the Spore?
Do not mow or rake your yard until Milky Spore has been soaked into the soil.

8. What if I treat my yard and my neighbor does not?
Your lawn will be protected even if you are surrounded by untreated property. Eventually, the Spore will creep next door into adjacent areas by natural movement.

9. Won’t beetles fly in from my neighbors yard?
An adult beetle feeds only during it’s first two weeks. By the time they fly in from adjacent areas, any new grubs laid in late Summer will be affected by the Spore.

10. What about Moles?
Eliminating grubs with Milky Spore often cause Moles and Skunks to feed elsewhere. Unfortunately, they may head for your neighbor’s untreated yard instead. Milky Spore does not affect moles, it simply eliminates their food source.

11. Can I have too many grubs?
If you are rapidly losing your lawn due to too many grubs, more than 10 per square foot, you may be wise to use an insecticide along with Milky Spore.

12. How do I know if I have beetle grubs?
Grubs feed on the roots of your grass which can become brown and die. Simply lift the dead grass and look for white larvae curled into the shape of a “C” about the size of a penny. Active grubs can completely destroy a lawn. Use Milky Spore for safe, long-lasting control.

13. Do beetle larvae feed more aggressively in Fall?
Yes, grubs in fall are in the first instar stage and are feeding for growth to store body fat for winter. In the spring, grubs reach 3rd instar prior to molting and do not require as much food.

14. Are grubs infected by Milky Spore in spring when rising to the surface following hibernation?
Grubs become infected by swallowing a spore. They do not become infected by rubbing up against spores or passing through them. Since grubs feed less in Spring, the incidence of infection is not as great as in fall.

15. What are the application rates for Milky Spore?
Milky Spore Powder in cans is a one time application put down in spots in measuring teaspoon amounts every four feet apart creating a checkerboard pattern of spots throughout your yard. Each spot contains 100 million spores.
Milky Spore spreader mix should be applied at least 3 times a year for 2 years. You should apply Milky Spore Spreader Mix with a push spreader or a hand spreader in the Spring, Summer, and Fall for 2 years to create the long term residual.

16. Can I broadcast the Spreader mix?
No, Milky Spore Spreader Mix is too light to be used with a broadcast spreader. It must be placed in concentrated areas on the lawn and that is why it must be used with a drop spreader.

17. Can I wait to water in the Spore?
Yes, you can wait 36 to 48 hours before watering in the Spore. Make sure you water the Spore before raking or mowing your lawn. The whole idea is to soak the Spore into the soil where it will become available to grubs feeding on the roots of grass. Simply use an oscillating hose sprayer for 15 to 20 minutes over the entire treated area. There may still be some white residue but this is chalk used as carrier for the spores.

18. What is the difference between the Spreader mix and the powder?
The main difference is that in using the six part spreader mix program you are essentially spreading the spore over an entire lawn rather than in concentrated areas. In doing this the number of spores in any one location is significantly less than the concentrated spot method.
Grubs become infected by swallowing a spore and this occurs by happenstance when feeding on grass roots. The more spores in a given area, the greater chance for infection. Each infected grub dies and releases 3 billion new spores into the soil.

19. How do I know if I have Japanese Beetle Grubs?
St. Gabriel Laboratories provides a free grub analysis for it’s customers. Simply place six grubs in a non-crushable container with some moist earth and grass roots. Don’t punch any holes in the container as grubs do not need much air. Send the container to: Free Grub Identification Program St. Gabriel Laboratories 14044 Litchfield Drive Orange, Virginia 22960 Tel: (880) 801-0061

20. What is the shelf life of Milky Spore?
The older the Spore, the more effective it becomes.

21. What if I get Milky Spore in my eyes? What if I breathe it in?
Milky Spore itself is not toxic. However, Milky Spore contains chalk and a powder carrier. Care should be taken not to get any dust in one's eyes as it is an irritant.

Review Search   
Sort Reviews
  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Great Grub killer and controller!

    By Theresa on 05/25/2013

    Verified Purchase

    This is the only product that I found that would rid my yard of grubs...its totally safe for the environment and animals too! The only pest it kills is the grubs...if you have a infestation of grubs you definately need this product

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    98 of 100 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Seems to do the job even when we don't follow the directions

    By Greg on 10/14/2014

    Verified Purchase

    I have to begin by saying that we didn't follow the directions. They say to use a drop spreader and apply three times per year but we used a broadcast spreader and applied only in the fall. Nonetheless, we've had a lot fewer mole problems in the areas we used this than elsewhere. Results would probably be even better if we did what they say to do, but we didn't want to spend that much time and money. We do try to minimize our use of pesticides, and this product seems to fit the bill for what we want.

    Expert ResponseExpert response:
    We are glad you have seen good results, however, we would recommend doing the full 6 treatments of milky spore granules for the best results. Applying at this rate will cause the spore to multiply and to continue to kill Japanese beetle grubs for 20 years or even longer.

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    64 of 67 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Milky Spore Mix

    By Gretchen on 04/27/2013

    Verified Purchase

    I see the difference already! They were quick to ship to my house, it was reasonably priced and they even followed up! No more Lowes or Home Depot for me! This is the only way to go!

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    63 of 67 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    Moles

    By Russ on 01/29/2014

    Verified Purchase

    The Milky Spore has been down for about 3 wks. & no new evidence of moles digging in the yard. Amazed at how fast it works. Thanks.

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    50 of 56 people found this review helpful

  • 5 of 5 Stars

    It works

    By Anonymous on 06/16/2013

    Verified Purchase

    We had a major problem with raccoons digging up our yard looking for grubs. I've completed the third application and even now the digging has stopped. Of course will finish the fourth application, but this stuff really works. I'm actually going to buy plants now since I believe the raccoons will leave them alone.

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    46 of 50 people found this review helpful

See all 92 customer reviews

Questions & Answers

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Sort Questions
Q
We are considering Milky Spore.

We want to know if one bag will stay effective through a spring, summer, fall application schedule.

A
Milky Spore has an indefinite shelf life and will not go bad in the bag.

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134 of 143 people found this answer helpful

Q
How many Bags of Milky Spore Spreader mix is needed for one acre?

How much granular milky spore do I need for a one acre parcel? Is it safe to use by grass on the edge of a lake?

A
Each 20 lb bag of Milky Spore Spreader Mix will cover 7000 square feet. An acre has 43,560 sq ft so you will need 7 bags. You can safely apply Milky Spore to grassy areas near bodies of water.

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118 of 126 people found this answer helpful

Q
I need a grub control product that would not harm my outdoor cats. I cannot keep them off of the area.

Need to kill grubs & have outdoor cats that it would be hard to keep off the treated area.

A
Milky Spore would be the best product for you to use if you cannot keep your cats of of the treated areas. Milky Spore does not require you to remove animals as it is not a chemical poison. Milky Spore contains Milky Spore disease bacterium (Bacillus popillae) that kills grubs in a way that is environmentally safe and highly recommended by professional and organic gardeners.

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91 of 94 people found this answer helpful

Q
Can I use Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix in my vegetable garden?
A
Yes, you can use Milky Spore in a vegetable garden.

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89 of 95 people found this answer helpful

Q
When is the best time to apply Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix in New England?

we have existing grubs from last summer/fall. grubx did not work. many areas of brown dead or no grass.

A
Normally, the best times to apply Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix are Memorial day, July 4th and Labor day. For the specific application time your region, please contact St. Gabriel Organics at 800-801-0061,

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81 of 89 people found this answer helpful

See all 93 customer questions

Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix 4.5 out of 5 stars Rating: 4.6 (92 Reviews / 93 Q&A)

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