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<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2236413/Dont-let-bed-bugs-bite--just-spray-away-fungus-experts-claim-works-better-chemicals.html</ref>
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== Lifecycle ==
It's important to know the lifecycle of the grub so that you can time treatments effectively. See
http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/grubs/life.asp http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/publications/grubs/files/grub_cycle_update.jpg
== Milky Spore (Paenibacillus popilliae) ==
[[wp:Milky spore]] is a bacteria that will control Japanese beetle grubs. The bad news is that it's not too effective for other types of grubs.
Furthermore, in New England, due to cooler soil temperatures, milky spore disease has not been very successful in controlling white grubs.<ref name="uconn"></ref> Where it does work, milky spore takes 3-5 years to really establish itself in your lawn for full protection from Japanese beetle grubs. The good news is that the bacteria is pretty much permanent (lasting 15 years or more). In contrast, [[beneficial nematodes]] act very quickly (in days), even on large grubs. But, the nematodes will die off when either their food source is gone (no more grubs, Yay!) or the winter temperatures kill them. So nematodes are a quick, but temporary fix while milky spore is a slow, but permanent fix. Obviously it would make sense to use both in tandem in the beginning if you're starting with a moderate to severe grub problem.
== Beauveria bassiana ==
[[wp:Beauveria]] is a fungi which can be an insect pathogen. Cost is ~$120/acre. I've seen multiple references to using it to fight bed bugs too. <ref>http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/this-fungus-is-the-ultimate-bedbug-killer-180947815/</ref><ref>video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEujuH840Ow</ref> Here is a quote from a researcher: <ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2236413/Dont-let-bed-bugs-bite--just-spray-away-fungus-experts-claim-works-better-chemicals.html</ref>
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That's an important distinction of natural pest control and organic farming compared with artificial chemical methods. Of course there are lot's of people with a vested interest in artificial methods, which can make it hard to get good facts.
[[Category:Lawn]]
[[Category:gardenGarden]]