Wet Weather + September = Nematodes vs. Turf Pests

There may be some wet weather on the way for the UK, which is good news for many reasons, and one of which is that it will help create the right conditions for nematode applications against turf pests.

Recent months have made it difficult to apply nematodes to lawns and gardens. Many of us have endured hose pipe bans and the ground has been very dry and hard, making it difficult to apply nematodes as they cannot easily penetrate the soil surface to reach the turf pest larvae and grubs beneath. This difficulty in application has been compounded by sunny, bright weather, which are not ideal conditions for nematodes, as they are U.V sensitive.

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes. Nematodes are most effective when applied in wet, overcast conditions.

Apply Your Nematodes Against Turf Pests Before It's Too Late

Overcast and wet weather can really improve the efficacy of nematode applications and the clock is now ticking with regard to turf pest treatments. Both Chafer grubs and Leatherjackets need to be treated with nematodes before the soil starts to cool down. Once the soil temperature starts to cool, the Chafer grubs and Leatherjacket start to sink further down in the soil, preparing to overwinter. This makes it more difficult for nematodes to reach them, and the cooler soil also reduces the nematode activity.

It is critical to catch these grubs and larvae now, otherwise they will wait in the soil until next year and then rise to the surface to start feeding on grass roots again. This is before they develop into adults that will lay more eggs, and the cycle repeats.

Chafer grub pests such as these need treating now before they begin to overwinter.

Dragonfli Are On Hand To Protect Your Lawns With Nematodes, Sprayers & Wetting Agents

Time is of the essence when tackling these common turf pests which makes September this year a vital month to get your nematodes applied. Dragonfli can assist you in this mission and has on offer the widest nematode pack size range of any supplier, ranging from 50 to 1000 square metres!

Find our Chafer Grub Killer or Leatherjacket Killer by clicking on the packs.

We also have the necessary accessories to aid application with hose-end sprayers, such as our Nema Super Sprayer, and the nematode friendly wetting agent, Nemaflo, to aid efficient application of nematodes.

The Nema Super Sprayer will help you apply nematodes quickly to surface areas of lawns up to 100sqm at a time.

Nemaflo aids the movement of nematodes in the soil, making it easier for them to reach the turf pests below.

Use Our Lawn Grub Repair Boost to Recover Healthy Grass

To help repair lawns after a turf pest attack, apply Lawn Grub Repair Boost, this special natural biostimulant helps grass roots re-grow and boosts top growth.

Lawn Grub Repair Boost is available in two sizes: 500ml and 1 Litre.