{"id":20481,"date":"2023-01-27T16:34:39","date_gmt":"2023-01-27T16:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/?p=20481"},"modified":"2023-02-01T09:40:07","modified_gmt":"2023-02-01T09:40:07","slug":"nematodes-biological-pest-killer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/nematodes-biological-pest-killer\/","title":{"rendered":"Nematodes \u2014 the friendly roundworms for your garden"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do you have a pest infestation attacking your lawn? Maybe you have round dry spots or dying grass in clumps around your lawn? Chances are, you have an infestation of <a href=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/how-to-get-rid-of-ants-in-the-garden\/\">ants<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/leatherjackets-in-your-lawn\">leatherjackets<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/chafer-grubs-in-your-lawn\/?_rt=MXwxfGNoYWZlcnwxNjc0ODM1MzIx&amp;_rt_nonce=d0eb51176a\">chafer grubs<\/a>, or similar insect larvae. But the answer isn&#8217;t to nuke your lawn with chemicals; the answer is nematodes \u2014 little friendly roundworms that benefit your garden.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are over 20,000 species of nematode that we know of. However, scientists estimate there are likely as many as 10 million species.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This article is about how you can attack garden pests biologically with nematodes \u2014 avoiding harmful chemicals that can cause nutritional imbalances in your soil and kill your beneficial wildlife.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are nematodes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Nematodes.jpg\" alt=\"Close up of nematodes\" class=\"wp-image-18033\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Nematodes.jpg 500w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Nematodes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Nematodes-460x307.jpg 460w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of microscopic nematodes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all nematodes are beneficial; indeed, some can harm your plants and even become parasites for you and your pets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, it\u2019s essential to choose the right nematodes for your garden. Typically, the nematodes available online and in garden centres are safe for domestic use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nematodes are microscopic roundworms. Some species are aquatic, while others thrive in soil \u2014 these are the ones you want for your garden.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most nematode species feed on microbes, while some prefer to eat living matter, such as larvae and grubs, that can damage your lawn. This is what makes them popular in the war against lawn pests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use these critters in your garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The types of nematodes you can buy online or in garden centres are suited for everyday garden use and can be super-effective at attacking lawn pests.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be concerned that you\u2019re releasing an unwelcome species into your garden, but the right kind of nematode is a boon for your lawn and dies off once the food source (grubs and larvae) is gone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">HM &amp; HB nematodes \u2014 a weapon against grubs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Both HM &amp; HB nematode species are effective against the grubs of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Weevils<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Garden leaf beetle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>June beetle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>May beetle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>HM stands for &#8220;heterorhabditis megides&#8221;, which sounds a bit like a skin condition, but these nematodes are effective in the battle against the beetles and grubs listed above.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HB stands for &#8220;Heterohabdtius bacteriophora&#8221;. These are generally cheaper to buy, but they don&#8217;t multiply as readily as the HM variety, so they won&#8217;t last as long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These nematodes find their food source, then invade the body of the larvae or bug while secreting a bacteria that eventually kills the infected beast. Both varieties only multiply once they\u2019ve found their host, and once they\u2019ve destroyed the hosts, the nematode population dwindles and dies off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For best results, HM &amp; HB nematodes require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Soil temperature of at least 12\u2103<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moist soil, so water it if it\u2019s looking dry.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SC nematodes \u2014 a weapon against meadow gnat larvae<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your garden is invaded by cricket varieties (it does happen in the UK occasionally) or gnats\/mosquitoes, Steinernema carpocapsae (or SC) nematodes can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These minute nematodes are just 0.1mm in size, so they\u2019re difficult to see, but they can be particularly effective against mosquitoes, gnats, and crickets. They work best in September for meadow gnats.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SF nematodes \u2014 a weapon against fungus gnats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sternermena feltiae (SF) nematodes are effective in the battle against fungus gnats, which feed on dead organic matter. Fungus gnats can be helpful in the garden because they clear dead organic materials, but they can also attack plant roots if there&#8217;s a shortage of food sources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, fungus gnats are more problematic indoors &#8211; they&#8217;re commonly found in greenhouses, where the atmosphere is hot and damp.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>SF nematode will kill the fungus gnat larvae, stunting the reproductive cycle of the gnat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They work best in soil of 8\u2103 and over and can be used all year round indoors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SK nematodes \u2014 a valuable weapon against weevils in low temperatures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Steinernema kraussei (SK) nematodes are harmless to crops, humans, and beneficial insects, but they swim in the thin film of water of soil particles to seek out the vine weevil.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The SK nematode is effective at temperatures as low as 5\u2103 and up to 12\u2103. They&#8217;re ideal for use in early spring before the temperatures have risen significantly and in late autumn when the temperature begins to drop.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">PH nematodes \u2014 battling against snails<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Snails are generally harmless little creatures until they attack your veg patch. They can eat their way through your lettuce in a matter of hours.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, there are plenty of approaches to battling snails and slugs, from beer traps to poison. However, remember that the birds tend to eat slugs and snails, so if you&#8217;ve killed them with poison, it can also make our feathered friends sick.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (PH) nematodes are the answer to more safely killing off the snails that are chomping through your veg.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, this isn&#8217;t an instant battle \u2014 it takes a little time as the PH nematode penetrates the snails&#8217; bodies, slowly decomposing them from the inside. And while that sounds totally gross, it&#8217;s nature&#8217;s way of dealing with pests \u2014 so you don&#8217;t need to feel quite so guilty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have to apply nematodes several times to get rid of your snail invasion, and it can take a few weeks to clear them. So, I recommend combining nematode warfare with the typical slug tracks and creep barriers for the best results.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>PH nematodes are most effective when the soil temperature is between 10-25\u2103.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lawn doctor Louis says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before you take action against your garden&#8217;s grubs, ensure they are not the larvae of rose or rhinoceros beetles. These species are protected and won&#8217;t feed on your plants.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How many nematodes do I need to kill off my garden pests?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Question-mark.jpg\" alt=\"Question mark drawn on a single stone on the beach\" class=\"wp-image-20484\" width=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Question-mark.jpg 640w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Question-mark-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Question-mark-460x307.jpg 460w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Question-mark-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Question! &#8211; Photo by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@lamunix?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Ana Municio<\/a>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/PbzntH58GLQ?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\">Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Calculating the number of nematodes you need depends on the treatment area. Generally speaking, we recommend 500,000 nematodes per square metre, which might sound like a massive population, but remember: they&#8217;re teeny tiny.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use this table to help you calculate according to the surface area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>Number of nematodes<\/td><td>Square meterage<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>6 million<\/td><td>12<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>12 million<\/td><td>24<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>50 million&nbsp;<\/td><td>100<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to apply nematodes in your garden<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once your nematodes have arrived, use them as quickly as possible \u2014 remember, they\u2019re living things and need to eat! If you\u2019re not going to use them for a while, stick them in your fridge.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid applying nematodes if it&#8217;s too hot or sunny \u2014 they might dry out and die in these conditions. Overcast weather is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ll arrive in a sachet containing a nematode paste.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to water them in<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil.jpeg\" alt=\"Watering nematodes into soil\" class=\"wp-image-20482\" width=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil-460x307.jpeg 460w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil-720x480.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil-813x542.jpeg 813w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Watering-nematodes-into-the-soil-600x400.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Watering nematodes into the soil<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Open the sachet and mix the paste with a small volume of water, turning it into a slurry. Then dilute the slurry with 2-5 litres of water \u2014 follow the instructions on the packet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pour the nematode solution into a watering can, and sprinkle the mix wherever you\u2019re experiencing problems. It\u2019s wise to treat AROUND problem areas, not just the direct spot \u2014 this way, you\u2019ll catch more pests.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep the soil moist over the next few weeks to ensure the nematodes remain active.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>And that&#8217;s it. You should see results in around 3-7 days, although you may have to wait between two and four weeks for the full effect.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nematodes attack pests\u2019 bodies from the inside out, so you won\u2019t find dead insect bodies \u2014 they will decompose naturally.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the pros of using them?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the advantages of using nematodes rather than chemical pesticides:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Odourless after use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harmless<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comparatively cheap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Suitable for large and small areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can be used outdoors and in greenhouses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invisible (compared to traps, etc.).&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Signs of harmful nematodes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You won\u2019t see any adverse effects of nematode use if you buy them from a reputable source. However, as mentioned earlier, not all nematodes fight grubs and larvae; some invade your plants\u2019 roots.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The harmful species invade the root system and change the plant&#8217;s metabolism via their saliva. For example, Beet cyst nematodes (Heterodera schachtii) can damage beetroot, spinach, and rapeseed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other types prey on potato plants, while other harmful species can attack your bedding plants.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms of harmful nematode invasions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"Root damage from nematodes\" class=\"wp-image-20483\" width=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-460x345.jpeg 460w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-720x540.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-723x542.jpeg 723w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes-600x450.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/moowy.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Root-damage-from-nematodes.jpeg 1445w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Root damage from nematodes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The typical signs of harmful species invasions are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Irregular plant growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deformed roots and leaves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Root rot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plant discolouration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wilted leaves and branches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced number of flowers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The following plants are susceptible to harmful nematodes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Apple trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strawberries<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cucumbers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hydrangea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Begonia&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potato<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spinach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turnips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Celery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tomatoes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aubergines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fighting a harmful species invasion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The best approach to killing off harmful species is to starve them out. So, if you can, lay your soil fallow for a few months \u2014 remove the entire root system of your plants, and dispose of the waste in an organic waste bin (not your compost heap).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach is most successful during a long hot summer when the soil is likely to dry out. Keep the fallow soil weed free, or the nematodes will eat those instead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marigolds and Tagetes \u2014 nature\u2019s natural remedy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some plants have developed natural defences against nematodes; marigolds and tagetes are prime examples. Their roots grow terthiophenes, which are toxic to nematodes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Marigolds make great bedding partners for carrots, celery, and onions to help keep invading species at bay. Alternatively, plant marigolds in your fallow soil \u2014 that will also keep the nematodes away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Any questions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope you\u2019ve got everything you need regarding the use of nematodes to attack lawn and garden pests. But if you have questions, don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We love hearing from you and will get back to you as soon as we possibly can.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks for reading.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1674836913877\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are nematodes?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Nematodes are worm-like, microscopic animals that are extremely species-rich. It is estimated that there could be up to 10 million different species. In agriculture, parasitic nematodes are used for pest control. Nematodes suitable for garden and greenhouses are are harmless to humans, animals and plants.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1674837007321\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What do nematodes look like?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">These microscopic animals are round and long, like a parasitic worm. The nematodes you use in the garden are invisible to the naked eye &#8211; just 0.1mm in length. They arrive in sachets and are watered into your garden soil, helping attack garden pests, such as ants, slugs, snails, grubs, and larvae. <\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1674837129933\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should I apply nematodes?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Nematodes like moist soil, so wait until the evening to deploy them on hot days;  overcast weather is perfect. Most nematode species are active at soil temperatures between 12 and 30 degrees. SK nematodes, on the other hand, are ideally suited for use on colder days at soil temperatures between 5 and 12 degrees.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nematodes are nature&#8217;s natural pesticide. Find out when to use them and how! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3850,"featured_media":18033,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"19888,941,19725,20233,969,975","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,50,135],"tags":[138,131,205,206],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Nematodes - the friendly roundworms for your garden | MOOWY<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Nematodes are nature&#039;s pesticide, killing a wide range of lawn and garden pests, such as ants, slugs, snails, chafer grubs &amp; 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