Lawn And Garden Insect Control FAQ’s

• When can I apply Dormant Spray?
• When should I treat for grubs?
• How do I know if I have grubs or if the grub control was effective?
• How long does it take for GrubOut® to work?
• I have just sprayed my lawn. How long do I have to wait before letting the children play on it?
• What can I use to control leaf miner on my Birch tree?
• What is the shelf life of pest control product?
• Are pest control products damaged by freezing?
• Where can I find more information about a pest control product?
• What is the easiest way to control fungus disease on plants?
• When should insect control product be applied?

When can I apply Dormant Spray?

Dormant sprays can be applied in late winter or early spring before the new buds show green at the tips. Apply on a clear mild day to ensure the spray will dry on the tree and not freeze.

When should I treat for grubs?

The best time to control grubs is when the larvae are small and actively feeding near the surface. This is usually late July to mid August. Application in September may be required to control late hatching larvae.

Early spring applications should only be made if the grubs are right at the surface and the soil temperature is fairly warm (15°C). The large larvae in the spring are difficult to kill and cold soil temperature may reduce the effectiveness.

How do I know if I have grubs or if the grub control was effective?

The easiest way to check for grubs is to cut and turn over a square foot section of the grass. In mid to late summer grubs are found feeding in the top couple of inches of soil. If there are more than 5 grubs per square foot you can expect damage to your lawn if left untreated. If you are trying to determine if a grub control application was effective, use the same process about 2 weeks after the application.

How long does it take for GrubOut® to work?

It can take up to a week for GrubOut® to kill the grubs, as it needs to be ingested to achieve a high level of control. Spring applications are not as effective due to the large size of the grubs, their slower movement and a reduction in feeding.

I have just sprayed my lawn. How long do I have to wait before letting the children play on it?

Always allow the lawn to dry thoroughly before allowing children and pets to play on it. Do not allow children or pets near the lawn during application. Pest control products will usually only take a few hours to dry on a warm clear day. If you are unsure about drying time, as a safety precaution, observe a 24-hour period of no entry.

What can I use to control leaf miner on my Birch tree?

Liquid Sevin® Insecticide is the best product to use to control birch leaf miner. It must be applied as a foliar spray. Two applications are recommended. The first when the leaves are fully expanded (usually mid May) and a second about two weeks later.

What is the shelf life of pest control product?

Always store pest control products in the original container, in cool, dry area out of reach of children and pets and preferably locked. Products stored in this manner will last at least 5 years with no reduction of performance. To dispose of unwanted pesticides, contact your regional government Household Hazardous Waste Department.

Are pest control products damaged by freezing?

Freezing does not damage most pest control products but as a general rule liquid product should not be frozen as the packaging can be damaged. Do not freeze Fruit Plus, Liquid Lime Sulphur, Ambush, Bug- Trees/Gardens, and Floritect®

Where can I find more information about a pest control product?

The product label is the best source of information on using a product. If you still have questions visit the Contact Us page on this website

What is the easiest way to control fungus disease on plants?

Fungus disease on plants are very difficult to control, It is unlike insect or weed pests that can be removed by hand or treated with a control product and get results in a few days. Successful control of fungus diseases requires a prevention strategy. This includes cultural practice such as picking up fallen leaves and debris around the plants; avoid watering in the evenings and keeping a close eye on susceptible plants. Fungicides need to be applied before or at the first sign of damage. This is achieved most easily with some historical background (from previous seasons) and a little research about the disease and its life cycle.

When should insect control product be applied?

Insect control products can be applied at the first sign of an infestation or when damage is first noticed. A regular inspection of your plants will help identify potential hot spots before they become a problem. A few insects noticed early can be removed by hand and can help eliminate larger problems down the road. Insect infestations are easier to control at an early stage. A little research about the insect and its life cycle will help to determine the most effective time to apply a control product.

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