10 Best Lawn Grub Killers 2025 in the United States

Scotts GrubEx1 Season Long Grub Killer is a solid choice for those looking to protect their lawns from grubs and other pests for an extended period. A major strength is its ability to kill grubs and other insects such as caterpillars, chinchbugs, and Japanese beetles, providing protection for up to 4 months with just one application.

Its granular form makes it easy to apply to a dry lawn in the spring or early summer, covering a substantial area of up to 5,000 square feet per 14.35-pound bag. The active ingredient, Chlorantraniliprole, is effective in targeting young grubs before they can damage your lawn. However, it is important to note that the product's impact on the environment and its safety for pets and children should be considered.

While Chlorantraniliprole is generally considered safer for non-target species compared to other insecticides, it is still wise to follow all safety instructions and keep pets and children away from treated areas until the product has settled. Additionally, there is no mention of the residual effect beyond the 4-month period, so reapplication may be necessary for year-round protection. For those environmentally conscious, understanding the full environmental impact might require further research. In summary, Scotts GrubEx1 is a practical and effective solution for lawn pest control if used according to guidelines and with consideration for safety measures.

The St. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore is a natural, granular lawn grub killer designed specifically to target Japanese beetle grubs. Its active ingredient is Bacillus popilliae, a bacteria that infects and controls grub populations. You apply it easily by spreading the granules over your lawn—either by hand or with a spreader—for a simple, one-time treatment. This product stands out for its long-lasting effect, offering protection that can last up to 15 years, which means you won’t need to reapply frequently.

It is USDA-certified organic and non-toxic, so it’s safe to use around pets, children, and even food crops, making it a great choice if you’re concerned about chemical exposure. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly, harmless to beneficial insects and wildlife, supporting a balanced garden ecosystem. One thing to keep in mind is that because it is a biological control, it may take some time to see results as the bacteria establish themselves in your soil. It also specifically targets Japanese beetle grubs, so it won’t affect other types of lawn pests.

If you want a natural, low-maintenance grub control that protects your lawn for many years without repeated applications or harmful chemicals, this product fits well. However, if immediate grub kill or broad-spectrum pest control is a priority, you might need to consider other options.

The Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Lawns Granules is designed to protect your lawn and home from common outdoor pests like ants, ticks, fleas, spiders, and centipedes. It comes in a 10-pound bag that covers up to 10,000 square feet, making it suitable for medium to large lawns. The granules are applied easily with a spreader, and it’s important to water the lawn right after application to activate the product. The insect killer works fast, starting to create a protective barrier within minutes, and offers long-lasting control for up to three months. This means fewer frequent treatments, which is convenient for busy homeowners.

The product is intended to be used around your home’s foundation, flowers, and ornamentals to keep bugs from moving indoors. It has a strong customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. It’s also noted that people and pets can safely return to the treated area once it has dried, which suggests a reasonable safety level for families with children and pets. Since it’s a chemical granule, it's wise to follow the label instructions closely to minimize any risks.

This insect killer provides fast, effective, and fairly long-lasting protection against a variety of lawn insects, making it a practical choice especially for those with a large outdoor area to cover.