Pembroke Lawn Grubs Control Services

Our Lawn Grubs Control Process

Contact Pembroke's Department of Public Works for Grub-Damaged Turf Disposal & Treatment Debris Management

Proper disposal of grub-damaged turf and treatment debris is essential for environmental protection and regulatory compliance in Pembroke. Seasonal yard waste collection runs from April–November, requiring biodegradable paper bags only (no plastic), as mandated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The Transfer Station operates during posted hours and requires resident permits or stickers, with fees based on load type. Residents must dispose of grub-infested turf, thatch, and soil plugs from core aeration according to municipal guidelines. Post-treatment renovation debris, such as removed turf and overseeding waste, should be coordinated with local composting programs. Pesticide containers must be triple-rinsed and documented, with disposal at household hazardous waste events—never in regular trash or recycling. Disposal in streets, gutters, or storm drains is strictly prohibited due to MS4 regulations.
Pembroke Department of Public Works
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 709-1430
Website: Pembroke Department of Public Works

Understanding Grub Species & Life Cycles in Pembroke's Glacial Till & Rocky New England Soils & Climate Zone 6b

Pembroke’s lawns are affected by several grub species, each with unique life cycles and environmental preferences. Common Massachusetts grubs include:

• Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica): C-shaped larvae, 1-year life cycle, adults emerge June-July
• European Chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis): similar larvae, adults emerge May-June
• Asiatic Garden Beetle (Maladera castanea): smaller, common in coastal MA, adults July-August
• Oriental Beetle (Anomala orientalis): variable color, sandy soils, adults June-July
• May/June Beetles (Phyllophaga spp.): 2-3 year life cycles Grub development is closely tied to soil temperature and moisture. Eggs are laid June-August, with larvae progressing through three instars before overwintering deep in the soil (36-48 inches). Spring feeding resumes when soil temperatures exceed 50°F. Pembroke’s glacial till, sandy outwash, and marine clay soils influence grub survival and natural predator access. For detailed soil data, consult the USDA Web Soil Survey and UMass Extension Turf Program.

Professional Grub Identification & Economic Threshold Assessment for Pembroke Properties

Accurate grub identification and population assessment are critical for effective management. Professionals conduct visual inspections for irregular brown patches and perform pull-tests for loose turf. Systematic soil sampling involves 1-foot square excavations to a depth of 3-4 inches, counting and identifying grubs by species. Economic thresholds, as outlined by UMass Extension, are 6-10 grubs per square foot for standard turf and 3-5 grubs per square foot for low-cut or animal-disturbed areas. Differentiating grub damage from drought, disease, or chemical injury is essential. For complex cases, the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab offers expert analysis. Optimal assessment occurs in late summer (August-September) and early spring (April-May), when soil conditions allow accurate sampling.

Pembroke Conservation Commission Requirements for Grub Control Near Protected Areas

Grub control near wetlands, streams, and vernal pools in Pembroke is regulated under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c. 131, § 40). Permits (NOI/RDA) are required for pesticide applications within 25-100 feet of protected resources. Seasonal restrictions apply during wildlife breeding periods (March-August for birds, March-June for vernal pools). Environmental safeguards include groundwater and surface water protection, pollinator-friendly product selection, and erosion control. Immediate revegetation and sediment barriers are necessary to minimize soil disturbance. Early coordination with the Conservation Commission ensures compliance and proper documentation.
Pembroke Conservation Commission
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 709-1405
Website: Pembroke Conservation Commission

Massachusetts Pesticide Regulations & Professional Licensing for Grub Control Services

All commercial grub control in Pembroke must comply with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) regulations. Applicators require Category 36 (Turf and Ornamental Horticulture) licensing, including a certification exam and 10 contact hours of continuing education every three years. Federal EPA registration is mandatory for all products, with special handling for Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) like imidacloprid. Applicators must maintain 1M per occurrence general liability insurance and environmental impairment coverage. Detailed application logs, adverse incident reporting, and effectiveness monitoring are required. For large-scale or municipal contracts, bonding and workers compensation are also necessary.
Pembroke Building & Inspectional Services
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 293-3864
Website: Pembroke Building & Inspectional Services

Pembroke Board of Health Guidelines for Safe Pesticide Application & Public Health Protection

The Pembroke Board of Health enforces strict safety protocols for pesticide use. Public notification is required 24-48 hours before commercial applications, with setbacks of 100-150 feet from wells and water bodies. Re-entry intervals (12-24 hours) must be observed, and special restrictions apply near schools, parks, and organic farms. Emergency procedures include poison control (1-800-222-1222) and municipal contacts. Applicators must use appropriate PPE, calibrate equipment, and prevent spills or drift (wind under 10 mph). Post-application monitoring ensures effectiveness and non-target safety.
Pembroke Board of Health
100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
Phone: (781) 293-2718
Website: Pembroke Board of Health

Integrated Pest Management Strategies: Cultural, Biological & Chemical Controls in Pembroke

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the foundation of sustainable grub control in Pembroke. Key strategies include:

• Cultural controls: manage irrigation (deep, infrequent watering), maintain mowing height (3-4 inches), dethatch when exceeding 0.5 inches, core aerate clay/glacial till soils, and overseed with competitive grasses. Soil pH should be adjusted to 6.5-7.0 using lime, as MA soils are often 5.5-6.5.
• Biological controls: apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) when soil temps exceed 60°F (late August/early September), and use milky spore for long-term Japanese beetle suppression.
• Chemical controls: preventive products (chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid) are applied late June-July; curative treatments (trichlorfon, carbaryl) target established populations August-September. Spot treatments are preferred over broadcast applications to minimize environmental impact.

Seasonal Treatment Calendar & Weather Timing for Pembroke's Growing Conditions

Grub management in Pembroke aligns with local climate patterns (Zone 6b). Key timing includes:

• Late Spring (May-June): monitor adult beetle emergence, assess previous damage
• Early Summer (June-July): apply preventive treatments when soil temps reach 60-70°F
• Late Summer (August-September): curative treatments for 2nd/3rd instar larvae, peak damage visible
• Fall (October): assess recovery, overseed before winter Weather conditions are critical—ensure 0.5 inch irrigation after granular applications, avoid treatments before heavy rain (>1 inch), and apply when wind is below 10 mph. Urban heat islands and irrigation systems can alter soil temperatures and moisture, affecting grub activity. For real-time weather, consult the National Weather Service Boston/Norton.

Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance During Grub Control Operations in Pembroke

Stormwater protection is vital during grub control, as many products are highly toxic to aquatic life. Under the Clean Water Act and MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards, best practices include:

• Mixing/loading pesticides 100 feet from storm drains or water bodies
• Immediate spill containment and use of absorbent barriers
• Equipment wash water must be managed in designated areas, never in streets
• Sweep granules from hard surfaces back onto turf Enhanced buffer zones (50-100 feet) are required near streams, ponds, and wetlands. Reducing chemical use through IPM protects aquatic ecosystems and supports municipal sustainability goals.
  Pembroke Water Department
  100 Center Street, Pembroke, MA 02359
  Phone: (781) 293-8162
  Website: Pembroke Water Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Pembroke, MA?

Pembroke’s neighborhoods each present unique challenges for grub management:

• North Pembroke: glacial till soils, poor drainage, mature oaks, proximity to wetlands (buffer zones required)
• Bryantville: sandy outwash, excellent drainage, higher Asiatic garden beetle risk, irrigation common
• Hobomock: rocky shallow soils, limited depth, variable moisture, near vernal pools (seasonal restrictions)
• Pembroke Center: marine clay, high water table, enhanced runoff risk, close to Zone II wellhead protection
• East Pembroke: mix of glacial till and sandy soils, mature trees, school zones requiring notification
• Mattakeesett: near ponds and streams, enhanced 50-100 feet buffer zones, public park use
• Indian Head: HOA standards, irrigation systems, history of Japanese beetle outbreaks Each area requires tailored IPM, regulatory compliance, and environmental safeguards, especially near Conservation Commission jurisdiction and water supplies.

Pembroke Municipal Ordinances for Equipment Operation & Commercial Applicator Standards

Pembroke enforces strict ordinances for commercial lawn care operations. Equipment may operate 7:00 AM-7:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions (often prohibited before 9:00 AM). Noise and decibel limits apply, especially in residential areas and on holidays. Commercial applicators must register with the Town Clerk, maintain 1M general liability insurance, and verify MDAR Category 36 certification. Safety protocols include traffic control, equipment calibration, public notification (24-48 hours), and right-of-way permits for municipal property. Environmental compliance covers material handling, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, and waste documentation, coordinated with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and local ordinances.