Pest & Grub Control in Nanaimo

White grubs are the single most destructive lawn pest across Canada. These C-shaped larvae — the immature stage of European chafer beetles, Japanese beetles, and June beetles — feed on grass roots just below the soil surface, severing the root system and causing irregular brown patches that peel back from the soil like loose carpet. A secondary damage layer comes from wildlife: skunks, raccoons, and crows tear up grub-infested turf to feed on the larvae, often causing more visible damage than the grubs themselves.

At Mow.ca, our pest and grub control programs use an integrated approach combining biological controls, cultural practices, and targeted treatments that are effective while being safe for children, pets, and the environment. Our primary biological weapon against white grubs is Heterorhabditis bacteriophora — a species of beneficial nematode that actively seeks out and parasitizes grub larvae in the soil. These microscopic roundworms are applied as a liquid drench in late August to early September, when soil temperatures are above 15°C and newly hatched grubs are small and most vulnerable. Nematodes are a registered biological pesticide that is exempt from provincial cosmetic pesticide bans and safe for use around people, pets, and waterways.

For properties where nematode application alone may not achieve sufficient control, we also offer Bacillus thuringiensis galleriae (Btg) — a bacterial biological insecticide registered by the PMRA for use against white grubs in turf. Btg works by producing proteins that are toxic to grub larvae when ingested, but harmless to mammals, birds, and beneficial insects.

Beyond white grubs, we also treat for chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus), which damage lawns by sucking sap from grass stems and injecting a toxin that causes yellowing and death. Chinch bug damage is most severe in hot, dry conditions and often mimics drought stress. Our treatment approach for chinch bugs includes Beauveria bassiana (a fungal biocontrol) in provinces with pesticide restrictions, and targeted insecticidal applications in unrestricted provinces. We also address sod webworms (Crambus spp.) and European crane fly larvae (Tipula paludosa) — the latter being a significant pest in BC's Lower Mainland.

Grub inspection is included with every pest control visit. Our technicians perform a pull-test by lifting a one-square-foot section of turf in suspected areas. The treatment threshold is five grubs per square foot — below this level, healthy turf can typically tolerate grub feeding without visible damage. Above this level, treatment is recommended.

Pest and grub control pricing ranges from $75 to $180 for a standard residential lot, depending on the pest type, treatment method, and property size. Nematode applications are typically at the higher end due to the cost of live biological product, but they offer the most environmentally responsible control with no re-entry restrictions — your family and pets can use the lawn immediately after application.