Grubs
are nasty-looking pests. The last thing you want to see is grubs in your
container plants. Grubs in potted plants are actually the larvae of various
types of beetles. Before they hatch in late summer, grubs in garden pots feed
on plant matter, including the roots and stems of your beloved plants.
Controlling grubs isn’t difficult, but it does take a bit of effort on your
part. Keep reading for tips on how to get rid of grubs in flowerpots.
Controlling Grubs in Containers
The most effective way to eliminate grubs in potted plants
is getting rid of the infested soil. This won’t hurt the plant if you work
carefully; in fact, your plant may benefit from repotting,
especially if the roots are crowded in the pot. Here’s how to eliminate grubs
in container plants:
Put on a pair of gloves, then spread a sheet of plastic or
newspaper over your work area and remove the plant carefully from the pot. If
the plant is rootbound, thump the pot gently with the heel of your hand. If the
pot is breakable, loosen the plant by sliding a trowel or table knife around
the inside of the pot.
Once the plant is safely out of the pot, brush the potting
mix off the roots. Be sure any grub-infested potting mix is removed. Gather up
the newspaper or plastic and dispose of it securely in a sealed container.
Never place grub-infested potting mix where the pests can get into your garden.
Scrub the pot thoroughly using a solution of nine parts
water to one-part household bleach. The bleach will sterilize the container and
kill any eggs that haven’t yet hatched. Rinse the pot thoroughly to remove all
traces of bleach, then allow it to air dry.
Repot the plant in a container filled with fresh,
good-quality potting
mix. Place the plant in a shady, protected spot for a few days before
moving it back to its permanent location.
Grubs
are nasty-looking pests. The last thing you want to see is grubs in your
container plants. Grubs in potted plants are actually the larvae of various
types of beetles. Before they hatch in late summer, grubs in garden pots feed
on plant matter, including the roots and stems of your beloved plants.
Controlling grubs isn’t difficult, but it does take a bit of effort on your
part. Keep reading for tips on how to get rid of grubs in flowerpots.
Controlling Grubs in Containers
The most effective way to eliminate grubs in potted plants
is getting rid of the infested soil. This won’t hurt the plant if you work
carefully; in fact, your plant may benefit from repotting,
especially if the roots are crowded in the pot. Here’s how to eliminate grubs
in container plants:
Put on a pair of gloves, then spread a sheet of plastic or
newspaper over your work area and remove the plant carefully from the pot. If
the plant is rootbound, thump the pot gently with the heel of your hand. If the
pot is breakable, loosen the plant by sliding a trowel or table knife around
the inside of the pot.
Once the plant is safely out of the pot, brush the potting
mix off the roots. Be sure any grub-infested potting mix is removed. Gather up
the newspaper or plastic and dispose of it securely in a sealed container.
Never place grub-infested potting mix where the pests can get into your garden.
Scrub the pot thoroughly using a solution of nine parts
water to one-part household bleach. The bleach will sterilize the container and
kill any eggs that haven’t yet hatched. Rinse the pot thoroughly to remove all
traces of bleach, then allow it to air dry.
Repot the plant in a container filled with fresh,
good-quality potting
mix. Place the plant in a shady, protected spot for a few days before
moving it back to its permanent location.