Happy Canada Day Everybody!
Tuesday July 4, 2023 is the cut-off for pre-ordering your grub control for this year. Click here to do that now. Ensure that you also order a hose-end sprayer if you do not have one that is not contaminated with chemicals, or it may kill the nematodes. There is a link for that on the nematode store page – in red. If we run out of inventory, you will still be able to order, but it will incur shipping costs from Ontario.
As you probably know, the optimal application time for nematodes in the lower mainland British Columbia, Canada is mid July to mid September. For more information on the chafer beetle lifecycle click here.
We have had more calls this year from people wanting to order the nematodes out of season for early spring applications. This will have a very low effective rate in the lower mainland. I believe that they are reading articles that are meant for other provinces, so I just wanted you to keep in mind to ensure that when you read articles on lawn care that they are applicable to where you live, because timing as well as products – will vary.
If you have had your lawn severely damaged last year, I suggest ordering two packages so that you can do a second treatment two weeks apart. This is because there is a high chance that your neighbourhood is fairly saturated with chafer, and your lawn may have an exceptionally large amount of grubs. Also, expect that the animals will come looking in the fall again. If they do not find anything there they will move on. If you see some random holes here and there, it is more than likely just them searching around. If you see them focused on one particular area, you may have a grub problem.
You are more than likely seeing some of the beetles now. I saw one in my garage a few weeks ago as well as others out in the wild. They are now mating and laying their eggs. The reason that we do our applications in July to September is because that is when the new generation will hatch and are the most vulnerable. Our current effective rate for applications is in the 90th percentile. This is due to applying at the correct time and proper conditions.
When you treat your lawn with grub control you should receive a FREE WATERING PERMIT in most jurisdictions. The government wants us to help curb this invasive species, so as long as you show your receipt you will be able to water for the month as an added bonus! Simply search for “watering permit [your city name]” and follow the instructions. Most cities require you to email them and the email is provided on their corresponding city website. If you have any issues, just give us a call or send us and email and we can help you with that. You will need to log into your account to provide them with the invoice showing that you have purchased nematodes for this.
Click the relevant link to your city below for instructions on how to apply for the permit:
Vancouver: Cost $20, allows watering for 3 weeks from 4AM to 9AM. https://vancouver.ca/home-property-development/water-exemption-permits.aspx
Burnaby: Cost FREE, allows watering for 21 days from 5AM to 9AM. https://www.burnaby.ca/services-and-payments/water-and-sewers/watering-restrictions
Coquitlam: Cost $FREE, allows watering for 21 days from 4AM to 9AM. https://www.coquitlam.ca/276/Water-Exemption-Permits
Surrey: Cost $FREE, allows watering for 21 days from 4AM to 9AM. https://www.surrey.ca/services-payments/water-drainage-sewer/water/water-restrictions#:~:text=Apply%20for%20a%20lawn%20sprinkling,a%20period%20of%2021%20days.
Richmond: Cost $FREE, allows watering for 21 days from 4AM to 9AM. https://www.richmond.ca/newsevents/city/lawnwateringrestrictions2022apr27.htm#:~:text=The%20permit%20fee%20is%20%2438.50,applying%20for%20a%20nematode%20permit.&text=Stage%201%20watering%20restrictions%20can,more%20restrictive%20water%20use%20stages.
Port Coquitlam: Cost $FREE?, allows watering for 21 days from 4AM to 9AM. https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/city-services/environmental-services/water-protection-conservation/lawn-watering/#:~:text=Watering%20Permit%20Application,-A%20new%20lawn&text=The%20permit%20is%20%2430%20and,from%20the%20date%20of%20issuance.
Delta: Cost $56?, allows watering for 21 days from 4AM to 9AM. https://www.delta.ca/services/water-sewer-drainage/water-conservation
Langley: Cost $FREE, allows watering for 21 days from 5AM to 9AM. https://e-connect.tol.ca/eApply/Prospero/Dashboard/Template/Welcome.aspx?TemplateName=NEMATODE%20SINGLE%20FAMILY%20HOME
We do stock a small inventory of grub control for people that order after the pre-order cut-off but it goes fairly quickly so please pre-order if possible. The reason that we do not stock a large amount for late orders is becasue it is a perishable product with an approximate 3 month shelf life. It makes ore sense just to order in advance than throw a bunch of nematodes away.
In addition to the nematodes we want to remind you that if you do not have a plan that includes summer fertilizer, this is also the time to order that. We are getting into the heat now, and you will want that extra nutrient boost to the root system to help the grass survive the hot days. Click here to order that. If you would like to know why certain fertilizers are used at different times of the year, you can click here.
Things to know about your application:
- Nematodes are light sensitive, so it is best to apply at dusk or on an overcast day.
- Nematodes use the water channels to travel in, so it is imperative that the lawn is watered both pre and post application, to ensure that they are off the grass and into the soil, where they can go to work.
- Nematodes are heavier than water, so always stir the solution prior to application.
- Use all solution within a couple of hours.
- Soil temperature needs to be above 10 degrees Celsius.
- Late summer/ Fall is the best time to spray as the larvae are small and weak.
- How to tell if they are fresh:
- Alive:
- Smell: Slight, not unpleasant
- Colour: light beige to pink and consistent colour
- Dead:
- Smell: Strong, unpleasant
- Colour: Mottled, splotchy, grey or black
- Grubs are infested within 48 hours, killed within 72 hours, and the next generation within 16-20 days.
We at MyLawn.Care have taken into account that every year in the lower mainland BC, many lawns are being ripped apart by animals searching for the chafer grubs. So, our Lawn Care Packs are created to specifically to perform in the BC lower mainland, so that you do not need to worry about this and can just spread the Care Pack and enjoy the results!
If you would like to hear more on another topic, or have any questions on the above, feel free to comment below or email us at [email protected]. We are here to help!
