Consumers notice the Japanese Beetle mostly during June, July and August when thousands attack roses, fruit trees, crepe myrtle, grape arbors and other sweet plants. The adults feed, mate and lay eggs over a six-week time span. By fall, fifty times as many grubs are in the lawn than the number of adult beetles that laid them. Researchers say this is the best time to attack the beetles, in the grub stage, in the fall, while they are small and vulnerable.

St. Gabriel Laboratory spokesmen say to use USDA developed Milky Spore beginning in August & September for long lasting control. Use of nematodes provides a faster kill but is not long lasting. Treating with chemicals on lawns where there is a well, pond or children present, is not recommended.

History of Milky Spore

Milky Spore, developed by USDA, is considered the most important insect control ever devised affecting only Japanese Beetle Larvae and posing no adverse effect on man or the environment. Called host specific, Milky Spore does not harm earthworms, birds, bees, praying mantises, other beneficial insects or pets. Once established, Milky Spore will remain viable in the soil for fifteen to twenty years.

In the 1950's, USDA distributed Milky Spore on the grounds at the White House, Capitol Hill and various parks and neighborhoods around Washington, D.C. Mr. Bob Welsh of Silver Spring, Maryland remembers when the USDA Milky Spore Program was taking place in his residential neighborhood in 1951. "We haven't had a Beetle since," says Welsh who still lives at 2408 Dennis Avenue. Former Deputy Mayor of Washington, DC, Martin K. Schaller, recalls the U.S.D.A. effort, saying, "Milky Spore is Miraculous, the best thing ever developed."

Milky Spore made to original USDA specifications is available in select lawn and garden stores, hardware stores and home centers under the name Milky Spore. Produced by St. Gabriel Laboratories in Orange, Virginia

A: Milky Spore begins working as soon as it is applied as long as grubs are feeding. Once grubs are infected they will multiply the Spore by several billion times and spread it further. In warm climates good control can occur in one to three years. In colder areas like New England, three to five years. Once established in a lawn, Milky Spore has been known to last 15 to 20 years.

A: No, Milky Spore is not affected by freezing or other adverse environmental conditions. Heavy rain may wash away newly applied Spore dust necessitating retreatment.

A: No, Milky Spore is not affected by fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or other lawn chemicals. They may all be applied at the same time.

A: Yes, Milky Spore is harmless to food crops. It is not a chemical pesticide. It may be used in gardens, around pools and wells.

A: Milky Spore does not affect pets, beneficial insects, fish, bees, birds, other animals, plants, or man. It is not a poison.

A: No, the Spore dust must remain concentrated and applied in spots. Do not apply it with fertilizer spreaders or grass seed spreaders.

A: No, do not mow your grass until the Spore dust has been watered into the soil by rainfall or sprinkling by water hose for 15 minutes or longer.

A: Your lawn will be protected even if you are surrounded by untreated property. Eventually, the Spore will creep next door into adjacent areas by natural movement.

A: An adult beetle feeds only during it’s first two weeks. By the time they fly in from adjacent areas, any grubs laid will be affected by the Spore.

A: Eliminating grubs with Milky Spore often cause Moles and skunks to feed elsewhere. Unfortunately, they may head for your neighbor’s untreated yard instead. Milky Spore does not affect moles, it simply eliminates their food source.

A: If you are rapidly losing your lawn due to too many grubs, more than 10 per square foot, you may be wise to use an insecticide along with Milky Spore.

A: Grubs feed on the roots of your grass which can become brown and die. Simply lift the dead grass and look for white larvae curled into the shape of a “C” about the size of a penny. Active grubs can completely destroy a lawn. Use Milky Spore for safe, long-lasting control.

A: Yes, grubs in fall are in the first stage and are feeding for growth to store body fat for winter. In the spring, grubs reach 3rd instar prior to molting and do not require as much food.

A: Grubs become infected by swallowing a spore. They do not become infected by rubbing up against spores or passing through them. Since grubs feed less in Spring, the incidence of infection is not as great as in fall.

A: Milky Spore powder must be applied in teaspoon amounts every four feet in rows four feet apart creating a grid pattern. Milky Spore spreader mix must be applied three times a year for two years with a drop spreader to be spread successfully.

A: No, the powder is too light to be used with a broadcast spreader. It must be placed in concentrated areas on the lawn and that is why it must be used with a drop spreader.

A: We suggest that you water in the spore as soon as it is done being applied. Direct sunlight(UV rays) can damage the spore and be a cause for retreatment.

A: The main difference is that in using the six part spreader mix program you are essentially spreading the spore over an entire lawn rather than in concentrated areas. In doing this the number of spores in any one location is significantly less than the concentrated spot method.

Grubs become infected by swallowing a spore and this occurs by happenstance when feeding on grass roots. The more spores in a given area, the greater chance for infection. Each infected grub dies and releases 3 billion new spores into the soil.

A: St. Gabriel Laboratories provides a free grub analysis for it’s customers. Simply place six grubs in a non-crushable container with some moist earth and grass roots. Don’t punch any holes in the container as grubs do not need much air. Send the container to:

Free Grub Identification Program St. Gabriel Laboratories 14044 Litchfield Drive Orange, Virginia 22960

A: Milky Spore has unlimited shelf life as long as it is stored in a cool dry place.

A: No cause for concern. Milky Spore is not a chemical pesticide. The only thing that Milky Spore affects is Japanese Beetle Grubs.