Answer: For a lawn that stays green while fending off common pests, use a fertilizer combined with targeted insect control. This guide highlights five top options and explains who each product is best for, so you can choose the right combination for your yard. The top picks include products ideal for homeowners with warm-season grasses, heavy insect pressure, or tree and shrub landscape beds. The summary table below helps you compare key points at a glance.
| Product | Best For | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control | Warm-season lawns needing summer protection | 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer Granules (10 lb) | Immediate, long-lasting ant and pest control | Up to 16,500 sq. ft. |
| BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed (Granules, 10 lb) | Trees and shrubs needing year-long protection | 10 lb container |
| Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready to Spray (32 fl. oz.) | Bug spray for lawns and perimeters via hose-end sprayer | 32 fl. oz. |
| BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control Granules (10 lb) | Grub and lawn insect management all season | 10 lb bag |
Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard Lawn Food with Insect Control
Product summary: Scotts Turf Builder SummerGuard combines fertilizer with insect control to protect against listed bugs while feeding and strengthening the lawn during heat and drought. It targets pests such as ants, armyworms, chinch bugs, crickets, fleas, grasshoppers, spiders, and ticks. Best for: homeowners with warm-season or stressed lawns in summer who want both nutrient boost and insect suppression. Limitation: effectiveness relies on proper application timing and a dry lawn at application. Use when insect activity or damage is observed.
Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer Granules (10 lb)
Product summary: This product offers long-lasting ant control (up to 6 months, excluding certain ants) and residual protection for other listed pests for about 3 months. Best for: lawns with visible insect activity or persistent ant problems around the perimeter and beds. Apply with a compatible spreader and water in to activate. Caution: not all ants are controlled; some species may be less susceptible.
BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed (Granules, 10 lb)
Product summary: A 12-month protection granule that both feeds trees and shrubs and prevents new insect infestations. Best for: homeowners seeking a year-long systemic approach to protect trees and shrubs from roots to leaves. Limitation: product data do not specify which insect species are covered; effectiveness depends on tree/shrub type and proper placement.
Ortho BugClear Lawn Insect Killer Granules (20 lb)
Product summary: A larger bag option for extensive lawns, offering the same long-lasting protection and quick action as the 10 lb version. Best for: bigger yards needing extended coverage and fewer refill cycles. Caution: follow spreader guidance to avoid over-application in limited spaces.
BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree and Shrub Protect and Feed Concentrate (64 oz)
Product summary: Concentrate version of tree and shrub protection and feeding with up to 12 months of protection. Best for: seasoned gardeners preferring a liquid concentrate that can be mixed for scalable tree and shrub care. Limitation: requires mixing and precise dilution to avoid over- or under-dosing.
Ortho BugClear Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready to Spray
Product summary: Hose-end ready spray that kills 235 listed bugs, including mosquitoes and ticks. Best for: homeowners seeking quick, broad-spectrum lawn protection without mixing. Caution: outdoor spray requires careful application to avoid unintended exposure to desirable plants, and to prevent runoff into water sources.
BioAdvanced Season Long Grub Control Granules (10 lb)
Product summary: Granules designed to treat for a season against grubs and other lawn-infesting insects, creating a protective zone. Best for: yards prone to grub damage or where grub-specific control is a priority. Limitation: primarily focused on grub control; may be less effective for other pest types without a combined approach.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help align product choice with yard conditions and pest pressure.
- What pests are most active on your lawn or around your trees and shrubs? Choose a product specifically labeled for those pests to maximize effectiveness.
- Do you need seasonal protection or year-long coverage? Year-long formulas provide ongoing protection, while seasonal ones target peak periods.
- Is your focus on fertilizing, bug control, or both? Some products blend both needs, others separate feeding from insect management.
- What area needs treatment? Large lawns may benefit from bigger bags or granules, while small lawns can work with ready-to-spray formulations.
- How will you apply? Granules require spreaders and watering in, while hose-end sprays offer quick application with less equipment.
- Safety and plants: ensure the product is suitable for your grass type, landscaping, and any nearby plants or gardens.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between fertilizer-plus-insect-control products and separate fertilizer plus insecticide products?
Answer: Fertilizer-plus-insect-control products combine nutrient delivery with pest protection in a single step, simplifying application and providing synchronized lawn care. - Can I use these products on all grass types?
Answer: Most products target common lawn grasses, but always check label guidance for compatibility with your grass type and local conditions. - How often should I treat for grubs in a season?
Answer: Grub-focused products typically offer season-long protection; follow label instructions for timing and application rates. - Is hose-end spray more convenient than granular options?
Answer: Hose-end sprays are convenient for quick coverage, but granules can provide longer-lasting protection with careful application. - What safety steps are recommended when applying these products?
Answer: Wear gloves, avoid application on windy days, keep children and pets away during application, and follow all label directions. - Should I combine products for best results?
Answer: Combining products is generally not advised without guidance from product labels or a professional, as overlaps can cause plant stress or improper dosing.