Yes, the application of Milky Spore Powder would still need to be watered following the application to move the spores into the soil where it will become available to grubs feeding on the roots of grass.
Milky Spore Powder is known to last 5 to 10 years. A reapplication would be necessary and is needed if its been 15 years since the last application.
For Milky Spore Powder to work, live grubs (Japanese Beetle Larvae) have to ingest it therefore applying to the affected area and surrounding areas would be recommended. For evenly protection against grubs, we would suggest treating the entire lawn but even with spot treatments to affected areas, this will eventually spread over time but may take longer.
Milky Spore Powder is applied using the Milky Spore Powder into the Dispenser Tube at the rate of 1 tsp every 4ft in rows 4ft apart to achieve a checkerboard pattern of spots throughout the treated areas. Applications can be applied any time of year when the ground is not frozen however faster control is achieved with spring and late summer applications when grubs are actively feeding. Only one application is required, but may take one to four years to gain optimum control.
Milky Spore Powder is not registered for use in Michigan so it cannot be shipped there. This is because the manufacturer has not registered the product in your state.
We have other options for Grub Treatment here.
Milky Spore Powder can provide control of Japanese beetle grubs, which can be a food source for moles, and could therefore reduce mole activity by removing that food source. You can refer to your guide on How to Get Rid of Moles for recommended treatment methods, and you can view our entire selection of Mole Control products here.
Yes, Milky Spore Powder can be used on pastures, just be sure to water in after application.
Milky Spore does need to be lightly watered in to bind the application to the soil and also allowed 24 hours before any rainfall is expected atter the application. Keep in mind that complete grub control may take 3-4 years with Milky Spore. Faster control may be achieved with applications in the Spring and late Summer, when grubs are actively feeding.
Milky Spore Powder is applied using a Lawn Dispenser Tube in a checkerboard pattern applying spots every 4ft along in rows at 4ft apart. Using one teaspoon of powder every four feet in rows four feet apart to achieve a checkerboard pattern of spots throughout the treated area
5 oz Milky Spore Power to treat 1,250 sq ft
10 oz Milky Spore Powder to treat 2,500 sq ft
16 oz (1lb) Milky Spore to treat 4,000 sq ft
40 oz (2.5lbs) Milky Spore for 10,000 sq ft
10lbs Milky Spore per acre of lawn.
It is most effective to apply Milky Spore Powder in the summer and early fall when grubs are active but it will sit in the soil until they begin to feed and then spread. The soil must be above 65 degrees F when the grubs are actively feeding, which is the best time for application. It works best to apply just before rainfall, or water in lightly after application to soak into soil. Once established in a lawn, Milky Spore has been known to last 15 to 20 years.
Milky Spore Powder is safe when used as directed on the label. As long as you keep pets/children out of the area while you treat and until the product has had time to completely dry or settle it is safe for pets and people to return and resume normal activity typically after about 4-6 hours.
Milky Spore Powder is labeled for both lawn and garden applications, so it is at your discretion if you would like to apply just to the garden or to also treat the lawn as well.
Milky Spore Powder will not be harmful to aquatic life if runoff were to occur into a stream, pond, etc.
Milky Spore Powder and Milky Spore Spreader Mix will only be effective for Japanese Beetle Larvae.
Milky Spore Powder is labeled for only Japanese Beetle larvae (white grubs). Please view our Gnat Control Products and How to Get Rid of Gnats Treatment Guide for more information.
Milky Spore Powder is only effective for Japanese beetle grubs.
Milky Spore should only impact Japanese Beetle grubs, but we encourage you to speak to the nematode supplier to check with them prior to use.
The inert/inactive ingredients of Milky Spore Powder are not listed because they are a proprietary formula. Please contact the manufacturer for information that is not published, though they are not required to release this information.
Milky Spore Powder does not affect beneficial insects such as earthworms.
Milky Spore Powder is labeled to target Grubs (Japanese Beetle Larvae), before they mature into beetles. Once grubs are infected they will multiply the Spore by several billion times and spread it further. Milky Spore will not control Japanese Beetles so a residual insecticide would be recommended for the adult beetle control.
The best time to apply the product for beetle control is in the Fall after grub eggs have hatched and when the grubs are young and actively feeding. If you are applying between February and late Spring and the grubs are not feeding consistently, the application may take longer to spread.
Applications of Milky Spore should be applied using the Lawn Dispenser Tube.
If the grapes are not harvested or consumed, Talstar P would be a recommended insecticide to apply in April/May for Japanese beetles. This product can be applied to lawns, bushes, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.
For edibles or fruit that is harvest or grown for consumption, Pyganic Gardening would be a safe option for vegetables, crops, fruits, herbs, etc.
The manufacturer of Milky Spore states if another insecticide needs to be applied to the lawn in the same area where Milky Spore is going to be used, you want at least 1-2 weeks between the Milky Spore and the other insecticide you intend to use. This includes other grub control products like GrubEx.
