Biologist suggest alternatives to pesticides for lawn grubs

As some municipalities across Canada ban pesticides for lawns, homeowners are looking for organic alternatives to fight grubs that kill grass.

European chafers or june beetles, commonly known as white grubs, eat grass roots, producing large, yellow patches that prevent a lawn from growing.

• INDEPTH: The Pesticide Debate

Quebec has banned the use of many chemical pesticides for cosmetic use in public spaces. In two years, the ban will be extended to private property.

On the island of Montreal, areas such as St-Bruno on the South Shore have already prohibited synthetic products because of health and environmental concerns.

For an organic solution, a microscopic worm can help, said biologist Edith Smeester of the Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides.

"It swims through the soil water that's why the soil has to be very wet," said Smeester. "It swims into the orifices of this wild grub and then it gets in it and destroys it, like the Alien story, you know," she said with a laugh.

Smeester suggests planting native plants such as dandelions, clover and creeping Charlie to attract other beneficial insects.

Michel deGrandpre of Longueuil points to large patches of grey on his front lawn grub damage. Because it would cost $1,000 or more to replace the lawn, he's considering an oriental rock garden instead.