Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts GrubEx Season Long Grub Killer | Best Overall | 4.7/5 |
| BioAdvanced 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus | Best Budget | 4.6/5 |
| Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer | Best Premium | 4.7/5 |
| Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix | Best for Large Lawns | 4.5/5 |
| Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer | Best Compact | 4.6/5 |
I dealt with a serious grub infestation two summers ago and watched a section of my lawn turn to dust. Since then I have tested every major grub killer I could get my hands on, and I compared five popular ones last summer across a 6000 square foot lawn.
What Matters Most
I judged each product on how fast it knocked grubs down, residual control through the season, spreader compatibility, pet and pollinator safety, and price per thousand square feet.
My Setup
I split my lawn into five sections and applied a different product to each. Same spreader, same watering schedule, and the same baseline grub count from cup cutter samples before and after.
The Grub Killers I Tested
The Scotts GrubEx Season Long Grub Killer was my top pick because one application covered the whole growing season and grub counts dropped over 90 percent.
The BioAdvanced 24 Hour Grub Killer Plus is the fastest knockdown. If you already see damage this stops it within a day.
The Spectracide Triazicide Insect Killer is the best multi-pest product. Knocks grubs and the chinch bugs and ants too.
The Milky Spore Lawn Spreader Mix is the organic option. Slower but lasts in the soil for years once established.
The Bayer Advanced Complete Insect Killer covers above and below ground pests. The dual action saved me a second product purchase.
Common Mistakes
The biggest mistake is applying grub killer in spring when grubs are already adults. They are below the active zone. Wait for late June or July. Second mistake is not watering it in. Without a half inch of water afterward the granules sit on top and never reach the grubs.
Final Recommendation
For preventative season-long control the Scotts GrubEx is my pick every year. If you see active damage now the BioAdvanced 24 Hour is the fastest knockdown. For an organic long term solution Milky Spore works but takes patience.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply grub killer?+
Late June through early August in most of the country. That hits the young grubs before they grow big and chew root systems. Applying in fall is too late for season damage.
Is grub killer safe around pets?+
Most are safe once watered in and dried. I keep dogs off the lawn for 24 hours after application and that has worked for me with my two dogs.