How to Apply Milky Spore

Learn how to get a healthy, grub-free lawn with Milky Spore

Co-authored by Chris Parker

Last Updated: July 1, 2024

Milky Spore is a natural pest control that targets grubs such as Japanese beetles. Spread the powdered pores over your lawn. Once the grubs ingest the spores, the spores multiply and eventually rid your lawn of the grub infestation. To spread the powder, use a lawn and garden dispenser to apply Milky Spore every 4 feet (1.2 m) in a grid pattern across your yard. Lightly water the soil so that the powder is absorbed, and enjoy a grub-free lawn after 1-3 years.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Spreading the Powder

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1
Apply Milky Spore in the early fall for the best results. This is when the grubs will be feeding the most so that they’ll be fatter for the winter, and the soil will still be warm. If you can’t apply the powder in the early fall, aim for applying it during the summer.
- Apply the powder anytime during the year, as long as the soil is at least 65 °F (18 °C).
- To check the temperature of the soil, stick a metal thermometer roughly 3 inches (7.6 cm) deep into the soil.
- If the soil is below 65 °F (18 °C), the grubs won’t be feeding and the powder won’t be ingested.
- The soil doesn't need to be damp or wet for you to apply the Milky Spore.
2
Pour the Milky Spore powder into a lawn and garden dispenser. These work best for distributing the powder — if you use a regular spreader, it’s likely that the powder will blow away once it’s been dispensed. Pour the powder into the lawn and garden dispenser, which looks like a long tube. ^{[1]
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- A 10 oz (280 g) container treats 2,500 square feet (760 sq m), while a 40 oz (1,100 g) box treats 10,000 square feet (3,000 sq m).
- This dispenser is designed so that when you tap it on the ground, it dispenses the powder.
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3
Create your own dispenser using a coffee can, if necessary. If you don’t want to purchase a dispenser just for applying the Milky Spore powder, create one using an old coffee can and a 4 ft (120 cm) long stick. Punch 15 holes in the bottom of the coffee can using a nail, and attach the coffee can to the stick using duct tape.
- A 1 pound (0.45 kg) coffee can works best.
- Fill the can just as you would the lawn and garden dispenser.
- The nail holes should be big enough for the Milky Spore to pass through, but they don't need to be huge—a medium-sized nail should work.
4
Apply the powder every 4 feet (1.2 m) in a grid formation. Walk around your yard in straight lines, tapping the ground every 4 feet (1.2 m) with your dispenser or can to release the powder. Do this in rows that are 4 feet (1.2 m) apart so that you create a grid of powder on your yard. ^{[2]
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- Dispense about 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) teaspoon of powder every 4 feet (1.2 m).
- Don’t worry about the areas that went untreated in the grid — the spores will spread naturally throughout the entire area.
5
Water the ground lightly so that the powder absorbs into the soil. Try to water the soil immediately after you apply Milky Spore, but at least within 24 hours. Apply it right before it’s about to rain and let the rain help the powder soak into the soil, or lightly water the soil yourself.
- If you’re watering the ground yourself, use a spray hose with a softer spray setting— you don’t want to spray the ground so intensely that the powder washes away.
- If you're applying it before rain, make sure the rain is going to be light as opposed to a heavy storm that will wash the Milky Spore away.
6
Observe the changes over the next few months to years. Milky Spore doesn’t work immediately — the grubs have to ingest the spores and then the spores will multiply, meaning it can take several months for them to die. It could take a couple of years for your entire yard to be free of grubs.
- Once it has been treated, the Milky Spore should work for at least 10 years without another treatment.
- Since it takes several years for the grubs to completely die, be patient and know that the Milky Spore is working slowly.

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Checking for Signs of Grub Damage

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1
Look for sections of your lawn that are yellow or brown. If your grass starts turning yellow, and then brown, it’s likely that it’s infected with grubs. If sections of your grass are completely dead, Milky Spore will likely help.
- This often happens in the late summer.
The grubs like to eat the grass roots, causing your lawn to turn yellow and brown. If you can easily pull up chunks of grass in areas you think are infected, this is a sign that the grubs are in the soil.
3
Cut up a section of the lawn to spot the grubs. Use a flat spade to cut off the top section of an infected area of grass. If you roll it back, the grubs should be visible. They’re white larvae and are often curled up in a C-shape.
- The grubs range in size, but average about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length.

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What are the benefits of applying milky spores?

Chris Parker
Pest Control Specialist
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Pest Control Specialist

Expert Answer

Using milky spores presents several benefits, particularly as a chemical-free method for eliminating grubs from your yard. Unlike chemical pesticides, milky spores target grubs specifically without harming other beneficial creatures in your lawn. While grubs may have some benefits for your lawn, controlling their population can prevent damage to your grassroots and reduce the likelihood of attracting pests like moles and raccoons. When applying milky spores, it's essential to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Additionally, it's crucial to establish a method for measuring success. Since milky spores work by infecting and killing grubs, the effectiveness of the treatment may not be immediately apparent. It's essential to consider the lifecycle of the beetles and understand that results may take time to manifest. Therefore, patience is key when using milky spores, as it may take some time before you can accurately assess the reduction in grub populations in your yard.

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Can I use a grub killer with Milky Spore?

Community Answer

Milky Spore can be used when other insecticides have been used, but if you kill off the grubs before you use the Milky Spore than the spore will not have a way to multiply to kill off future grubs. Milky Spore will not harm earthworms.

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Do I put it on the lawn only, or should I put it on shrub beds, too?

Maidservicetoday902

Community Answer

Milky Spore is primarily intended for use on lawns where Japanese beetle larvae, or grubs, reside and feed on grassroots. While it can be applied to shrub beds, it is most effective in grassy areas. Applying it to your lawn will target the primary habitat of the grubs, providing the best control. However, if you have a severe infestation, applying it to shrub beds as well can help reduce the overall beetle population. Always follow the product instructions for the best results.

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Tips

Milky Spore won't harm other wildlife and is safe to use around pets, children, and adults.

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If you get Milky Spore on your body, or in your eyes or mouth, simply rinse the infected area with clean water.

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Warnings

Don't mix the powder with water before applying.

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Don't mow your lawn until the spores have been absorbed into the ground with water.

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Avoid using other grub killers or the Milky Spore won't have anything to infect.

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Things You'll Need

Milky Spore powder
Lawn and garden dispenser
1 pound (0.45 kg) coffee can (optional)
4 ft (120 cm) stick (optional)
Duct tape (optional)
Sharp nail (optional)
Spray hose
Flat spade (optional)

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How to Apply Milky Spore

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Spreading the Powder

Checking for Signs of Grub Damage

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Warnings

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