Grub killer sales have increased

14:05:20 20th May 2010

A lawn treatment that protects against chafer grubs and can be stored in the garden shed is becoming increasingly popular.

Bayer Garden, the garden care company, has reported a 60 per cent increase in sales at a national DIY chain, of Provado Lawn Grub Killer.

Gardening fans may have started to notice brown patches in their lawns and these could be caused by the young of the chafer beetle.

Anita Dent, a consumer advisor for Bayer Garden, said: "We have been inundated with calls asking for advice about brown patches in lawns. People want to know what is causing these patches and how to fix the problem.

"For the majority it is the Chafer Grub doing the damage and consumers need to get ready to treat the problem in the next few weeks."

Ms Dent advises gardeners to use the lawn grub killer in May and June annually to avoid brown patches appearing.

These patches can be caused by chafer grubs which feed on the roots of turf during spring and summer leaving dead areas. More damage is caused by predators trying to get to the grubs.

If a consumer does not want to use the chemical they can roll the lawn in spring which crushes the bugs.

Find out more information about garden sheds.