Dighton Lawn Grubs Control Services

Our Lawn Grubs Control Process

Contact Dighton'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 Dighton. 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.
Dighton Public Works
979 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, MA 02715
Phone: (508) 669-5462
Website: Dighton Public Works

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

Dighton’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 appearance, adults emerge May-June, increasingly common
• Asiatic Garden Beetle (Maladera castanea): smaller, coastal prevalence, 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 follows a pattern: adults lay eggs June-August, larvae develop through three instars (July-October), overwinter as 2nd/3rd instars (frost line 36-48 inches), resume feeding April-May when soil exceeds 50°F, and pupate May-June. Dighton’s glacial till, sandy outwash, and marine clay soils influence moisture retention and grub survival. Irrigation during hot summers and thatch accumulation can increase risk. For detailed soil data, consult the USDA Web Soil Survey and UMass Extension Turf Program.

Professional Grub Identification & Economic Threshold Assessment for Dighton Properties

Accurate diagnosis is critical for effective grub management. Professionals assess damage by:

• Visual inspection for irregular brown patches and spongy turf (late summer/fall)
• Pull-tests for loose turf
• Systematic soil sampling (1-foot square, 3-4 inches deep)
• Grub counting and species ID (raster patterns, head capsule size) UMass Extension guidelines set economic thresholds at 6-10 grubs per square foot for normal turf and 3-5 grubs per square foot for low-cut or animal-disturbed areas. Japanese beetles are particularly aggressive feeders. Differential diagnosis distinguishes grub damage from drought, fungal diseases, fertilizer burn, or salt injury. For complex cases, consult the UMass Extension Plant Diagnostic Lab. Optimal assessment occurs in August-September (current larvae) and April-May (overwintering populations), with soil temperature and moisture considered for accuracy.

Dighton Conservation Commission Requirements for Grub Control Near Protected Areas

Grub control near wetlands, streams, and vernal pools in Dighton 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 (March-August for birds, March-June for vernal pools). Environmental protection measures include groundwater safeguards (especially near Zone II wellhead areas), runoff prevention, and pollinator protection by selecting appropriate products 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 documentation and compliance.
Dighton Conservation Commission
979 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, MA 02715
Phone: (508) 669-6431
Website: Dighton Conservation Commission

Massachusetts Pesticide Regulations & Professional Licensing for Grub Control Services

All commercial grub control in Dighton must comply with Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) regulations. Applicators require a Category 36 license (Turf and Ornamental Horticulture), passing certification exams 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 Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) like imidacloprid requiring 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. For more information, consult U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1.

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

The Dighton Board of Health oversees safe pesticide use to protect residents and the environment. Public notification is required 24-48 hours before commercial applications. Setbacks of 100-150 feet from wells and water bodies, and from sensitive sites like schools and parks, are enforced. Re-entry intervals (12-24 hours) must be observed per product labels. Special restrictions apply in certified organic areas. Risk management includes barriers, notification, and emergency contacts (poison control 1-800-222-1222). Applicators must use PPE (respirators, gloves, protective clothing), calibrate equipment, and prevent spills or drift (wind under 10 mph). Post-application, effectiveness and non-target impacts are monitored.
Dighton Health Department
979 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, MA 02715
Phone: (508) 669-5182
Website: Dighton Health Department

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

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the foundation of sustainable grub control in Dighton. 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, improve soil health (add organic matter, adjust pH to 6.5-7.0), and overseed with competitive grasses
• Biological controls: apply beneficial nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) when soil exceeds 60°F (late August/early September), use milky spore for Japanese beetle control (best in sandy soils), and encourage natural predators
• Chemical controls: use preventive products (chlorantraniliprole, imidacloprid) in late June-July (eggs/1st instars, 60-70°F soil), curative treatments (trichlorfon, carbaryl) in August-September (2nd/3rd instars), rotate products to prevent resistance, and prioritize spot treatments Consult the UMass Extension Turf Program and UMass Soil and Plant Nutrient Testing Laboratory for guidance.

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

Dighton’s climate (Zone 6b) shapes the timing of grub control. 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 feeding damage
• Fall (October): assess and renovate damaged areas before winter Weather coordination is crucial—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. 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 Dighton

Grub control must align with Clean Water Act and MassDEP Stormwater Management Standards to protect local waters. Best practices include:

• Mixing/loading pesticides 100 feet from storm drains/water bodies, using secondary containment
• Immediate spill containment and granule sweeping from hard surfaces
• Never washing equipment in streets or near drains
• Enhanced buffer zones (50-100 feet) near streams, ponds, and wetlands due to aquatic toxicity
• Avoiding applications before heavy rain (24-48 hours) Long-term, IPM reduces chemical load and protects aquatic ecosystems. Coordinate with the Conservation Commission for watershed protection and with EPA NPDES for MS4 compliance.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Dighton, MA?

Dighton’s neighborhoods present diverse challenges for grub management:

• Glacial till areas: poor drainage, high clay, favor grub survival; require core aeration and careful timing
• Sandy outwash zones: excellent drainage, lower organic matter, Oriental beetle prevalence
• Rocky shallow soils: limited depth, variable moisture, may limit grub populations
• Marine clay lowlands: high water table, enhanced buffer zones near wetlands
• Proximity to water bodies: streams, ponds, and wetlands require 50-100 feet buffers and Conservation Commission oversight
• Mature tree neighborhoods: oaks and maples support adult beetle populations
• Irrigated subdivisions: increased egg-laying risk during hot summers
• Historic Districts and HOAs: may have additional landscape and equipment access standards
• Zone II wellhead protection areas: restricted chemical use to protect municipal water
• School and park zones: enhanced safety protocols and notification

Dighton Municipal Ordinances for Equipment Operation & Commercial Applicator Standards

Dighton regulates equipment operation and commercial applicator standards to ensure safety and compliance. Permitted hours are typically 7:00 AM-7:00 PM weekdays, 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays, with Sunday restrictions (often no operation 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 minimum liability insurance, and hold 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.
Dighton Building and Inspections Department
979 Somerset Avenue, Dighton, MA 02715
Phone: (508) 669-5186
Website: Dighton Building and Inspections Department