This Is The Ideal Time To Apply Your Dragonfli Nematodes

As the end of summer approaches, conditions can be ideal for nematode applications against a variety of soil borne pest grubs. Entopathogenic nematodes provide an effective natural, biological control for an increasing number of insect pests. Some of these pests have a grub stage, or larval stage, in the soil at the end of the summer. The soil is still relatively warm at this time and moisture in the soil increases with cooler weather and more rainfall. These are the very conditions nematodes need to be effective when applying to lawns or soil.   

The ideal time for nematode applications is when it is overcast, wet and humid. Apply your nematodes now with our specific nematode sprayer, The Nema Super Sprayer, pictured here.

Nematodes are U.V sensitive, so can be harmed if applied on bright sunny days and need lots of moisture and irrigation to help them move through grass thatch and then through the soil to find the pest grubs. If you wish to further aid the ability of your nematodes to move through the soil we do supply a nematode soil penetrant and carrier in the form of Nemaflo which you can find here. 

Nematodes are U.V. sensitive and require moisture and irrigation to enable them to move through the grass. 

Pests That Should Be Treated With Nematodes In The Late Summer & Early Autumn

Chafer Grubs In Lawns

Make sure to treat Chafer grub infestations now otherwise you'll have to wait until next August!

This is the last chance to apply nematodes against Chafer grubs until next August as spring applications are not effective. It is important to reduce and control Chafer grub populations now whilst they are close to the soil surface. This is because as temperatures drop the grubs will sink deeper into the soil and become more difficult to target with nematodes. Find our Chafer Grub Killer Nematodes here.

Leatherjacket Grubs In Lawns

Leatherjacket grubs also need treating now before they can overwinter.

Crane Flies, commonly known as the Daddy-long-legs, have been busy laying eggs over the last few weeks, so fresh Leatherjacket grubs will be developing under the grass and, like Chafer grubs, will need to be controlled now with nematodes before they can overwinter. Find our Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes here.

Vine Weevil Grubs In Pots or Flower Beds

Vine weevil grubs are currently feeding on plant roots and will continue to do so until temperatures drop.

Vine weevil larvae are active now feeding on the roots of many plant types in pots or open flower beds. They will keep feeding and damaging plant roots until temperatures drop, and then will start up again next spring. Apply nematodes against them now and not only protect your plants this year but also at the start of next. Find our Vine Weevil Killer Nematodes here.

Box Tree Caterpillars On Box Plants & Hedges

A warm autumn could encourage further Box Tree Caterpillar activity.

A warm autumn might yet provide the conditions for another generation of Box Tree Caterpillars. If you identify Box Tree Caterpillars on your Box plants, make sure to apply our Box Tree Caterpillar Killer nematodes against them as soon as possible. Find our Box Tree Caterpillar Killer Nematodes here.