Late to the game deciding your Insecticide Program – now what? Crabgrass preventers and post-emergent herbicides are hitting the ground hard, and your clients are expecting results. But what’s next on your checklist? Insect control. If you haven’t finalized your insecticide game plan for the season, don’t worry—you still have options to protect your turf from grubs and surface-feeding insects.
Grub Control: Act Before They Hatch
Timing is everything when it comes to grub control. The right product, applied at the right time, can prevent serious damage later in the summer.
Know Your Chemistry
There are two main classes of insecticides for grub control:
- Imidacloprid (Merit and equivalents)
- Application Method: Granular
- Best Timing: Before July 4th
- Control Duration: Up to several months
- Class: Neonicotinoid
- Notes:
- Provides excellent control of white grubs.
- Some states have placed restrictions due to pollinator concerns.
- Check your local/state guidelines before application.
TIP: Use Imidacloprid-based products when flexibility in timing is needed later in spring.
- Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn, Durentis)
- Application Method: Granular or liquid
- Best Timing: Before Memorial Day
- Control Duration: Season-long
- Class: Reduced-risk insecticide
- Advantages:
- Safe for pollinators when used as directed
- Compatible with pre-emergents like Dimension
Central’s HVN Jackpot 17-0-4 with Dimension & Acelepryn is a dual-action fertilizer that saves time and labor by combining weed and grub control in one pass. Ask your Central Turf Representative for availability and pricing.
Surface Feeding Insects: Stay Ahead of the Bite
Chinch bugs, billbugs, ticks, and fleas can quickly wreak havoc if not handled early. Surface-feeding insect control is essential for high-performance turf areas.
Top Chemistries for Surface Insect Control:
Bifenthrin
- Widely used, broad-spectrum pyrethroid
- Strong knockdown and residual action
- Works well on chinch bugs, ants, and other turf pests
Lambda-Cyhalothrin
- Another top-tier pyrethroid
- Provides long-lasting residual control
- Often used in combination products for broader protection
Central offers both HVN and CENTRAL branded fertilizers with Bifenthrin to help simplify applications without compromising on control.
Combination Products: Grub + Surface Insect Control
When you’re running behind or looking for maximum efficiency, combo products offer the best of both worlds—grub and surface insect control in one application.
Top Combo Solutions:
Allectus
- Ingredients: Imidacloprid + Bifenthrin
- Provides control of both soil-dwelling and surface pests
- Great for late-season rescue treatments or broad-spectrum protection
Imi-Lambda
- Ingredients: Imidacloprid + Lambda-Cyhalothrin
- Excellent knockdown and long-term residual control
Available Now:
Talk to your local Central representative for product availability and recommendations tailored to your region and turf type.
Need a Game Plan? We’ve Got You Covered.
Whether you’re just getting started or need to pivot your insecticide program, Central has the products, programs, and expertise to help you win this turf season.
- Custom programs
- Regional recommendations
- Bundled product solutions
- Labor-saving options
In Conclusion,
Insect control is next on your checklist this spring and options are still available to find a program that works for you to protect against grubs and surface-feeding insects. Find out your options today and explore ways to combat unwanted visitors this season. Contact your local Central branch or account leader today to build your late-season insecticide strategy.