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How to manage curl grub pupa in herb garden?

I have been notified by a helpful magpie that I have curl grub pupa in my herb garden, normally I’d leave him to it, but he’s fossiking all the soil out of the raised beds (I can’t get down there anymore) and onto the surrounding patio. I did a soapy water drench to confirm and found not a single grub so it seems it’s only the pupa, for now. I bought OCP Eco-neem on the recommendation of Bunnings, then took it back ‘cos you can’t use it on edibles.. and got OCP eco-oil.. which apparently does not do curl grubs. It’s now mid-November, in Sydney, and I’d like to try to get some seeds in after the magpie tossed all the seedlings from seeds I put in 2 months ago. Any suggestions anyone? Thanks. Xx

One unbroken, rattles, and two halves of an empty one.

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @Nanny_Ogg,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of any other products that are suitable for this purpose.

While OCP Eco-Oil Concentrate doesn't specifically list curl grubs on the back of the packaging, it is safe for use on edible plants and would still be worth a try. There seems to be some evidence online of it being used for this purpose, although I can't guarantee it would work.

The only other solution I can think of is to lift the soil and manually remove the pupa or try a natural remedy like a chili and garlic soak more as a deterrent than to exterminate the grubs.

Allow me to tag our knowledgable gardeners @robchin, @Noelle and @mich1972 to see if they have any ideas.

Jacob

robchin

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/59414#Comment_59414

Curl Grubs are such a pest.

Hi @Nanny_Ogg. @JacobZ has noted that the EcoOil is OK for use on food plants but it has no claim for use on curl grubs so we cannot recommend it for that use. Eco-Neem is specifically excluded from use on food plants. Sorry.

Bunnings, where I work, but you can buy some systemic insecticides containing Imidacloprid that have registrations for food plants and for these types of insect pest.

There is also some evidence that nematodes can be used for these sorts of situations (biological control), again we don't sell them so you will need to seek them out and check with the supplier that they are OK for use in this situation. This may be of assistance to you.

Good luck

Nanny_Ogg

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/92167#Comment_92167

Thank you Rob, I looked into your suggestion, looks like it would work in my situation although I have to further research to find a particular product that will allow me to ‘harvest’ the herbs at need.. thanks for taking the time to respond. Xx

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