The Question Every Homeowner Asks in Summer
As Japanese beetles begin flying and laying eggs in June and July, the window for effective grub prevention opens. Homeowners who have dealt with grub damage before know that acting before those eggs hatch is far more effective than trying to treat established larvae in late summer.
The Mill carries three professional-grade grub control products built around Acelepryn, one of the most effective and pollinator-conscious active ingredients available for turf insect management. All three products do the same job on grubs. The difference is what else they do for the lawn at the same time, and when in the season they fit best.
The right choice comes down to two questions: where is the lawn in its seasonal program, and does it still need a second crabgrass pre-emergent application?
What Makes Acelepryn Different
Acelepryn (chlorantraniliprole) is a newer-generation insecticide that works differently from older chemistries like imidacloprid or trichlorfon. It targets the muscle receptors of insects, causing paralysis and death in grubs and other turf-damaging pests, while having a notably low impact on non-target organisms including bees, earthworms, and other beneficial soil life.
For homeowners who want effective grub control without the concerns associated with older insecticide chemistries, Acelepryn has become the professional standard. When applied in late May or June, a single application provides up to 6 months of residual control in the soil, protecting lawns through late August or September and targeting grubs, sod webworms, and billbugs before they can do meaningful damage to the root zone.
All of The Mill's Acelepryn products need to be watered in after application. Rainfall or irrigation within 24 to 48 hours moves the active ingredient into the root zone where it needs to be.
Option 1: 13-0-5 Acelepryn + Dimension (Grub Control + Crabgrass Pre-Emergent + Fertilizer)
Best for: Lawns that have not yet completed a second crabgrass pre-emergent application and want to combine that step with grub prevention in a single bag.
The 13-0-5 with Acelepryn and Dimension is the most versatile option in the lineup because it handles three things at once: grub prevention, crabgrass pre-emergent control, and a mid-season nitrogen feeding. For homeowners who missed or delayed their second crabgrass application, this product allows them to catch up on pre-emergent protection while locking in grub control before egg-laying season begins, all in a single application.
Dimension (dithiopyr) is a proven pre-emergent herbicide that prevents crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds from germinating. Combining it with Acelepryn and a 13% nitrogen carrier means one trip across the lawn covers weed prevention, insect protection, and a green-up feeding simultaneously.
This product is best applied in May through early June, making it the earliest timing option of the three and the right fit for homeowners who want to get ahead of both grubs and late-season crabgrass pressure before the heat of summer arrives.
When to apply: May through early June Water in: Required within 24 to 48 hours of application
Option 2: 15-0-5 Acelepryn (Grub Control + Mid-Season Feeding)
Best for: Lawns that are due for a mid-season fertilizer application and need grub prevention at the same time, without a crabgrass pre-emergent component.
The 15-0-5 .067 Acelepryn Grub Control and Lawn Fertilizer from LebanonTurf combines professional-grade grub prevention with a meaningful mid-season fertilizer application. The 15% nitrogen component provides a green-up boost that helps lawns stay thick, dense, and resilient through summer heat stress, while the Acelepryn establishes a protective barrier in the root zone against grubs and other turf pests. A single application applied in late May or June provides up to 6 months of residual control, protecting the lawn through late August or September.
This product is a strong fit for homeowners who have already completed their crabgrass pre-emergent applications and are ready for a mid-season feeding with built-in insect protection. Rather than making two separate applications, the 15-0-5 handles both in a single pass.
The 15% nitrogen with potassium combination also supports stronger cell walls and improved heat tolerance in cool-season grasses, which are already under significant stress during July and August in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Coverage: 50 lb. bag
When to apply: Late May through July, for up to 6 months of residual grub protection
Water in: Required within 24 to 48 hours of application
Option 3: 0-0-7 Acelepryn (Grub Control + Potassium, No Nitrogen)
Best for: Lawns that do not need additional nitrogen in summer but still require grub prevention and turf strengthening.
The Lebanon Pro 0-0-7 with .067% Acelepryn delivers the same Acelepryn-based grub protection without any nitrogen in the fertilizer carrier. Instead, the 7% potassium (from 100% muriate of potash) supports turf strength, stress tolerance, and disease resistance without pushing top growth during the heat of summer.
This option is the right choice for several situations:
- Lawns where nitrogen was applied recently and adding more would push excessive growth during heat and drought stress
- Lawns managed on a lower-input program where summer nitrogen is intentionally avoided
- Lawns where the primary goal is grub prevention and potassium support rather than a visible green-up response
- Properties where soil testing has confirmed adequate nitrogen levels but potassium support would be beneficial
Cool-season grasses in the Mid-Atlantic experience natural stress during July and August. Adding nitrogen during this window can push new growth that the grass does not have the root capacity to support under heat stress. The 0-0-7 allows homeowners to maintain grub protection on schedule without compounding that stress.
Coverage: Up to 14,500 sq. ft.
When to apply: June through July, ahead of grub hatch
Water in: Required within 24 to 48 hours of application
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 13-0-5 Acelepryn + Dimension | 15-0-5 Acelepryn | 0-0-7 Acelepryn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Acelepryn + Dimension | Acelepryn .067% | Acelepryn .067% |
| Nitrogen | 13% | 15% | None |
| Potassium | 5% | 5% | 7% |
| Crabgrass Pre-Emergent | Yes (Dimension) | No | No |
| Green-up response | Yes | Yes | No |
| Residual grub control | Up to 6 months | Up to 6 months | Season-long |
| Best timing | May to early June | Late May to July | June to July |
| Best for | Missed 2nd pre-emergent + grub prevention | Mid-season feed + grub prevention | Grub prevention, no nitrogen needed |
When to Apply Grub Control
Timing matters as much as product selection. Acelepryn-based products are preventive treatments, not curative ones. They work best when applied before or shortly after Japanese beetle eggs are laid in June and July, giving the active ingredient time to move into the root zone before small larvae hatch and begin feeding.
When applied in late May or June, Acelepryn provides up to 6 months of residual control, protecting the lawn through late August or September when grub feeding is at its most damaging. Applications made later in summer will still provide protection but with a shorter residual window into fall.
The three products cover different points in the spring and early summer calendar:
- The 13-0-5 with Acelepryn and Dimension is best applied in May through early June, making it the right choice for catching up on pre-emergent crabgrass protection while getting grub prevention in the ground early
- The 15-0-5 fits a late May through July application window for lawns that have finished their pre-emergent steps and are ready for a mid-season feeding with grub coverage
- The 0-0-7 works well from June through July for lawns that do not need additional nitrogen but still need grub prevention on schedule
All three products need to be watered in promptly after application to activate the Acelepryn and move it into the root zone where grubs feed.
Signs of Grub Damage to Watch For
Catching grub pressure early allows for more effective intervention. Common signs of grub activity include:
- Brown patches that look like drought stress but do not respond to watering
- Turf that pulls up easily from the soil, almost like a loose carpet, because the root zone has been severed
- Increased activity from moles, skunks, raccoons, or birds digging into the lawn in search of grubs
- Visible white grubs in the top few inches of soil when the turf is pulled back
If damage is already present and grub populations are confirmed, a faster-acting curative product may be needed in addition to a preventive approach going forward.
Other Grub Control Options at The Mill
For homeowners looking for alternatives or complementary approaches, The Mill also carries:
Milky Spore is a naturally occurring bacterium that targets Japanese beetle grubs specifically. It takes 2 to 3 years to build up effective soil levels, but once established, provides long-term biological control without chemical insecticides. It is a strong option for homeowners with young children, pets, or sensitivities to conventional products.
Scotts GrubEx is a widely available season-long preventive option for homeowners looking for a familiar brand option at a lower price point.
For a more detailed look at the full grub life cycle, treatment timing, and a comparison of preventive versus curative approaches, The Mill's Grub Control Options blog is a comprehensive resource.
Not Sure Which to Choose? Ask The Mill.
The right grub control product depends on where the lawn is in its seasonal program, whether a crabgrass pre-emergent application still needs to happen, and whether mid-season nitrogen is part of the plan. All three Acelepryn options deliver the same level of insect protection. The fertilizer carrier and any added herbicide components are where the decision gets made.
Browse the full Lawn Grub and Insect Control collection at themillstores.com or visit any local The Mill store to talk through the lawn program and get a product recommendation tailored to the specific situation.
