I am having a grub and skunk issue in my backyard. Every time I let the puppy outside, I am shocked at how much more of the lawn the skunk has dug up from the previous evening. It is very frustrating. I have actually seen this fat skunk wandering across my lawn in the bright morning sunlight. Are they not nocturnal?? Apparently this one didn’t get that memo. Driving me nuts!!!
This article has some good information about pet-safe lawn control. It has to be people-safe too. Fertilizers are not the answer.
Pet-Safe Lawn Grub Control
By Kimberly Richardson, eHow Contributor
updated: October 14, 2010
Pesticides may cause skin reactions, or worse, on your pets. Although manufacturers test their products for adverse effects, many pet owners prefer to control white lawn grubs through non-chemical means.
Lawn Health
Maintain a healthy lawn to control grubs. A healthy lawn survives moderate populations of grubs, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension suggests removing a section of turf in late summer and monitoring the grubs. Up to five grubs per square foot is not harmful. Aerate compacted soils, apply fertilizer as needed and water according to your climate and grass type.
Nematodes
Parasitic nematodes are not harmful to people, pets, grasses or even earthworms. These microscopic organisms target white grubs and often begin controlling the grub population within hours. Use live nematodes in late summer for the best results and follow directions carefully; sunlight, dry conditions and temperature extremes quickly kill the nematodes. Buy beneficial nematodes online or from many home-improvement stores.
Milky Spore Disease
Less effective than nematodes, milky spore is a disease that only affects Japanese beetle larvae and does not harm pets or people. It is not effective on the larvae of other beetles, such as June bugs. Unlike parasitic nematodes, milky spore disease may take years to affect the grub population, and grubs must be present to spread the disease. Retailers sell milky spore as a powder.
Read more: Pet-Safe Lawn Grub Control | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7330698_pet_safe-lawn-grub-control.html#ixzz148Ju31JR
