Bourne Lawn Grubs Control Services

Our Lawn Grubs Control Process

Contact Bourne'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 Bourne. Seasonal yard waste collection runs from April–November; only biodegradable paper bags are accepted, as required 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. 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, documented, and brought to household hazardous waste events—never placed in regular trash or recycling. Disposal in streets, gutters, or storm drains is strictly prohibited and constitutes an MS4 violation. Bourne Public Works Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600
Website: Bourne Public Works Department

Understanding Grub Species & Life Cycles in Bourne's Glacial Till & Sandy Coastal Plains & Climate Zone 6b

Bourne’s soils are a mix of glacial till, sandy outwash, and marine clay, influencing grub survival and management. Common Massachusetts grub species include:

• Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica): C-shaped larvae, 1-year life cycle, adults emerge June-July
• European Chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis): May-June emergence, increasingly common
• Asiatic Garden Beetle (Maladera castanea): Smaller grubs, peak July-August
• Oriental Beetle (Anomala orientalis): Prefers sandy soils, June-July emergence
• May/June Beetles (Phyllophaga spp.): 2-3 year life cycles Adults lay eggs June-August; larvae develop through three instars, overwintering as 2nd/3rd instars below the frost line (36-48 inches). Spring feeding resumes when soil temperatures exceed 50°F. Soil drainage, organic matter, and compaction all affect grub populations. For detailed soil data, consult the USDA Web Soil Survey and UMass Extension Turf Program.

Professional Grub Identification & Economic Threshold Assessment for Bourne 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, per UMass Extension, are 6-10 grubs per square foot for normal 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; complex cases may require the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab. Optimal assessment occurs in late summer (August-September) and early spring (April-May), when soil conditions allow accurate sampling.

Bourne Conservation Commission Requirements for Grub Control Near Protected Areas

Grub control near wetlands, vernal pools, and other protected resources in Bourne 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 resource areas. Seasonal restrictions protect wildlife during breeding periods (March-August for birds, March-June for vernal pools). Environmental safeguards include groundwater and surface water protection, pollinator-friendly practices, and erosion control. Immediate revegetation of disturbed areas and sediment barriers are often mandated. Early coordination with the Conservation Commission ensures compliance and proper documentation. Bourne Conservation Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1342
Website: Bourne Conservation Department

Massachusetts Pesticide Regulations & Professional Licensing for Grub Control Services

All commercial grub control in Bourne must comply with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) regulations. Applicators require Category 36 (Turf and Ornamental Horticulture) licensing, including a certification exam on grub biology, IPM, and environmental protection. 10 contact hours of continuing education are required 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 detailed application records, including weather, rates, and follow-up monitoring. Adverse incidents must be reported to MDAR and MassDEP, and all operations are subject to periodic review by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1.

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

The Bourne Board of Health enforces strict protocols for public safety during grub control. 24-48 hour advance public notification is required for commercial applications. Setbacks of 100-150 feet from wells and water bodies, and enhanced precautions near schools, parks, and sensitive facilities, are standard. Re-entry intervals (12-24 hours) must be observed per product label. Special restrictions apply in certified organic areas. Applicators must use appropriate PPE, calibrate equipment, and prevent drift (wind under 10 mph). Emergency procedures, including poison control contact (1-800-222-1222), are in place. Post-application monitoring ensures effectiveness and non-target safety. Bourne Health Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0615
Website: Bourne Health Department

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

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Bourne prioritizes sustainable, science-based strategies. Cultural controls include:

• Irrigation management: avoid overwatering during egg-laying (June-August)
• Mowing height: maintain 3-4 inches
• Thatch management: dethatch if exceeding 0.5 inches
• Soil health: add organic matter, adjust pH (5.5-6.5 typical; lime to 6.5-7.0)
• Overseeding: use competitive, climate-appropriate grasses Biological controls feature beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) applied when soil temps exceed 60°F, and milky spore for Japanese beetle control. Chemical controls are a last resort, with preventive products (chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid) applied late June-July and curative treatments (trichlorfon, carbaryl) in August-September. Spot treatments and resistance management are emphasized.

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

Bourne’s climate (Zone 6b) shapes the timing of grub management. In late spring (May-June), monitor for adult beetles and assess prior damage. Early summer (June-July) is optimal for preventive treatments when soil temps reach 60-70°F. Late summer (August-September) is the window for curative applications targeting 2nd/3rd instar larvae, when damage is most visible. Fall (October) focuses on recovery and overseeding. Weather coordination is vital: ensure 0.5 inch irrigation after granular applications, avoid treatments before heavy rain, and apply only when wind is below 10 mph. Coastal and interior microclimates, as well as irrigation systems, influence local timing. Wildlife and pollinator protection must be integrated with the treatment calendar.

Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance During Grub Control Operations in Bourne

Stormwater protection is a legal and environmental priority under the Clean Water Act and MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards. Best practices include mixing/loading pesticides at least 100 feet from storm drains or water bodies, using secondary containment, and never washing equipment in streets. Granules must be swept from hard surfaces back onto turf. Enhanced buffer zones (50-100 feet) are required near aquatic resources due to the high toxicity of many grub products. Avoid applications before heavy rain to prevent runoff. These measures protect Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and local waterways, and support municipal MS4 permit compliance. Bourne Engineering Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1343
Website: Bourne Engineering Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Bourne, MA?

Bourne’s neighborhoods each present unique grub management challenges. Sagamore Beach and Gray Gables feature sandy outwash soils with excellent drainage but lower organic matter, favoring Oriental beetle populations. Buzzards Bay and Monument Beach have glacial till and marine clay, with poor drainage and high clay content, supporting Japanese beetle and European chafer. Cataumet and Pocasset, near wetlands and water bodies, require enhanced 50-100 foot buffer zones and Conservation Commission oversight. Bournedale’s rocky shallow soils limit grub depth but can complicate equipment access. Irrigation prevalence in newer developments increases egg-laying risk. Proximity to schools, parks, and Zone II wellhead protection areas necessitates strict regulatory compliance and notification.

Bourne Municipal Ordinances for Equipment Operation & Commercial Applicator Standards

Bourne regulates equipment operation for turf management to minimize community disruption and environmental risk. Permitted hours are typically 7:00 AM-7:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday work often restricted before 9:00 AM or prohibited—verify local bylaws. Noise and decibel limits apply, especially in residential areas and during holidays. Commercial applicators must register with the Town Clerk, maintain 1M minimum liability insurance, and hold valid 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. Bourne Building and Inspection Department
24 Perry Avenue, Bourne, MA 02532
Phone: (508) 759-0600 x1344
Website: Bourne Building and Inspection Department