Chatham Lawn Grubs Control Services

Our Lawn Grubs Control Process

Contact Chatham'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 Chatham. Seasonal yard waste collection runs from April through November, requiring the use of biodegradable paper bags—plastic bags are strictly prohibited per Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection guidelines. Residents must follow Transfer Station procedures, including operating hours, permit/sticker requirements, and applicable fees. Grub-infested turf, thatch, and soil plugs from aeration should be separated and disposed of according to municipal composting protocols. Post-treatment renovation debris, such as removed turf and overseeding waste, must also be coordinated with local composting programs. Pesticide containers require triple-rinsing and documentation, with disposal only at household hazardous waste events—never in regular trash or recycling. Disposal in streets, gutters, or storm drains is strictly prohibited and constitutes an MS4 violation.

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Official Website: Chatham Department of Public Works(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works)

Understanding Grub Species & Life Cycles in Chatham's Sandy Coastal Plains & Climate Zone 7a

Chatham’s sandy coastal plains and marine clay lowlands, classified as USDA Hardiness Zone 7a, create unique conditions for turfgrass and grub populations. The most common grub species in Massachusetts include:

• Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica): C-shaped larvae, 1-year life cycle, peak adults June-July
• European chafer (Rhizotrogus majalis): May-June emergence, increasingly common
• Asiatic garden beetle (Maladera castanea): smaller grubs, July-August adults, prevalent in coastal MA
• Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis): variable color, sandy soils, June-July adults
• May/June beetles (Phyllophaga spp.): 2-3 year life cycles Grub development follows a seasonal pattern: adults emerge and lay eggs June-August, larvae develop through three instars (July-October), overwinter as 2nd/3rd instars below the frost line (36-48 inches), and resume feeding in spring (April-May, soil temps above 50°F). Soil type—glacial till, sandy outwash, marine clay—affects moisture retention and grub survival. For detailed soil data, consult the USDA Web Soil Survey. Irrigation during hot summers and thatch accumulation can increase grub risk. Diagnostic support is available from the UMass Extension Turf Program.

Professional Grub Identification & Economic Threshold Assessment for Chatham Properties

Accurate grub identification and population assessment are critical for effective management. Professionals conduct visual inspections for irregular brown patches and perform pull-tests to detect loose turf. Systematic soil sampling—1-foot square, 3-4 inches deep—allows for grub counting and species identification using morphological features. According to UMass Extension, economic thresholds are 6-10 grubs per square foot for standard turf and 3-5 grubs per square foot for low-cut or animal-disturbed areas. Japanese beetles are particularly aggressive feeders. Differential diagnosis is essential to distinguish grub damage from drought, fungal diseases, fertilizer burn, or salt injury. For complex cases, the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab provides expert analysis. Optimal assessment occurs in late summer (August-September) and early spring (April-May), when soil conditions allow for accurate sampling.

Chatham Conservation Commission Requirements for Grub Control Near Protected Areas

Grub control near Chatham’s wetlands, vernal pools, and other protected resources 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 apply during wildlife breeding (March-August for birds, March-June for vernal pools). Environmental protection measures include groundwater safeguards, surface water runoff prevention, and pollinator protection through selective product choice and timing. Erosion control is vital—minimize soil disturbance and revegetate promptly, especially in glacial till and clay soils. Early consultation with the Conservation Commission is recommended for projects near sensitive areas, and documentation is required for all activities.

Chatham Conservation Commission
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5164
Official Website: Chatham Conservation Commission(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/392/Conservation-Commission)

Massachusetts Pesticide Regulations & Professional Licensing for Grub Control Services

All commercial grub control in Chatham must comply with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) regulations. Applicators require a Category 36 (Turf and Ornamental Horticulture) license, which mandates passing a certification exam covering grub biology, IPM, and environmental protection. Continuing education—10 contact hours every 3 years—is required for license renewal. Federal EPA registration is necessary for all products, and Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) like imidacloprid demand special handling. 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 applications, environmental impact assessments and IPM plans must be documented.

Chatham Building Division
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5168
Official Website: Chatham Building Division(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/174/Building-Division)

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

The Chatham Board of Health enforces public health protections during grub control. Advance public notification—24-48 hours before commercial applications—is required in many Massachusetts communities. Setbacks of 100-150 feet from wells and water bodies, and from sensitive sites like schools and parks, are standard. Re-entry intervals (12-24 hours) must be observed per product labels. Special restrictions apply in certified organic areas. Risk management includes protecting children, pets, and sensitive individuals, with emergency contacts for poison control (1-800-222-1222) and municipal services. 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.

Chatham Board of Health
549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-2793
Official Website: Chatham Board of Health(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/365/Board-of-Health)

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

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the foundation of sustainable grub control in Chatham. Cultural controls include:

• Irrigation management: avoid overwatering during egg-laying (June-August)
• Mowing at 3-4 inches for deeper roots
• Thatch management: dethatch if over 0.5 inches; core aerate clay/glacial till soils
• Soil health: add organic matter, adjust pH (5.5-6.5 typical; lime to 6.5-7.0)
• Overseeding with competitive grass varieties Biological controls:
• Beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora): apply when soil temps exceed 60°F, irrigate 0.5 inch
• Milky spore (Paenibacillus popilliae): long-term Japanese beetle control
• Encourage natural predators (birds, ground beetles) Chemical controls are a last resort:
• Preventive: chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid, thiamethoxam (late June-July, 60-70°F soil)
• Curative: trichlorfon, carbaryl (August-September)
• Spot treatments preferred; rotate products to prevent resistance Consult the UMass Extension Turf Program and UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory for guidance.

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

Chatham’s climate (Zone 7a) and coastal influences shape the timing of grub management. Key periods include:

• Late Spring (May-June): monitor adult beetle emergence, assess prior damage
• Early Summer (June-July): apply preventive treatments when soil temps reach 60-70°F
• Late Summer (August-September): curative treatments for established grubs; peak damage visible
• Fall (October): assess and renovate damaged turf Weather coordination is vital—ensure adequate soil moisture for product activation (0.5 inch irrigation/rainfall), avoid applications before heavy rain (>1 inch), and monitor wind speeds (<10 mph liquid, <15 mph granular). Coastal areas may experience cooler summers and milder winters, while interior zones face more extreme temperatures. Wildlife breeding and pollinator protection may restrict timing. For local forecasts, consult the National Weather Service Boston/Norton or Albany.

Stormwater Management & MS4 Compliance During Grub Control Operations in Chatham

Stormwater protection is a legal and environmental priority under the Clean Water Act and MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards. Best practices include:

• Mixing/loading pesticides 100 feet from storm drains/water bodies
• Immediate spill containment and prevention of storm drain entry
• Equipment wash water managed in designated areas
• Sweep granules from hard surfaces back onto turf Many grub products (neonicotinoids, pyrethroids) are highly toxic to aquatic life, requiring 50-100 feet buffer zones near water. Avoid applications before heavy rain and reduce chemical use through IPM. These measures protect Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, and local water resources.
  
  Chatham Department of Public Works
  221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
  Phone: (508) 945-5155
  Official Website: Chatham Department of Public Works(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works)

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Chatham, MA?

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

• Old Village: sandy outwash soils, excellent drainage, proximity to wetlands (buffer zones 50-100 feet), mature trees, historic landscape standards
• North Chatham: glacial till, high clay content, poor drainage, frequent grub issues, Zone II wellhead protection areas restrict chemical use
• South Chatham: marine clay, high water table, enhanced runoff risk, irrigation common
• West Chatham: rocky shallow soils, limited depth, variable moisture, HOA requirements
• Chatham Port: sandy soils, close to water bodies, enhanced buffer zones, public parks
• Morris Island: conservation land, vernal pools, strict Conservation Commission oversight
• Downtown/Commercial District: mixed soils, equipment access limitations, public notification required Each area requires tailored approaches based on soil, drainage, regulatory sensitivities, and community standards.
  
  Chatham Conservation Commission
  549 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633
  Phone: (508) 945-5164
  Official Website: Chatham Conservation Commission(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/392/Conservation-Commission)

Chatham Municipal Ordinances for Equipment Operation & Commercial Applicator Standards

Chatham enforces strict ordinances for equipment operation and commercial applicators. Permitted hours are typically 7:00 AM-7:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions (often no work before 9:00 AM or prohibited). Noise and decibel limits apply, especially in residential areas and during holidays. Commercial operators must register with the Town Clerk, maintain 1M minimum 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 work. Environmental compliance covers material handling, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, and waste documentation.

Chatham Department of Public Works
221 Crowell Road, Chatham, MA 02633
Phone: (508) 945-5155
Official Website: Chatham Department of Public Works(https://www.chatham-ma.gov/265/Public-Works)