Is professional treatment better than DIY applications?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.When deciding between DIY grub treatment versus professional services, consider your lawn size and grub problem severity. Most homeowners will find do-it-yourself grub treatments to be a viable option with spray or spreader treatments. Professional lawn services have special equipment to deal with larger properties. Both methods are effective, provided they are administered at the proper times and with the correct watering. I have saved many clients money by recommending do it themselves programs while suggesting professionals in severe cases.
DIY Applications
- Ideal for lawns under 10,000 sq ft
- Cost: $20-$50 per application
- Requires 2-4 hours biweekly during season
- Best for preventative maintenance
Professional Services
- Recommended for severe multi-acre infestations
- Cost: $100-$300 per application
- Includes soil analysis and customized plans
- Provides guaranteed results and follow-ups
Assess infestation severity first. DIY controls up to 10 grubs per square foot with decent results. Beyond that, consider using professionals with injection systems that are more effective. For lawns, I check the lawns with a soil probe for grub density. This establishes the most practical means of control for your situation.
Consider equipment access when making your decision. DIY includes spreaders or sprayers worth $50 to $150. Professionals have industrial spray rigs and aerators. Infrequent treatments often have a better ROI when equipment is rented than purchased. My clients borrow neighbors' tools for small areas of turf and save money.
Evaluate long-run costs carefully. A DIY plan may look cheaper up front, but with repeated failures, DIY can add up. A professional package typically comes with guarantees and provides future savings as you're not paying for something to be retreated. I usually map break evens on an average of 0.5 acres. This is where pros start making sense from a cost perspective.
Utilize hybrid strategies for optimal success. I use a combination of do-it-yourself preventive applications, followed by professional curative care when needed. I like to do a spring DIY and schedule fall inspections with the pros at that time. It is a good balance to prevent damage, but also to enlist the services of professionals at some point for a pest inspection.
Read the full article: Effective Lawn Grub Treatment Guide
