£15.99
Caterpillars develop from the eggs of moths and butterflies, and certain species of caterpillar can cause significant damage to plants. Cabbage White Caterpillars, for example, cause extensive damage to plants such as Brassicas and Nasturtiums. They make holesin the leaves and excreteon the plants, which develops into mold. Cabbage White Caterpillars will also feed on Cabbages and Cauliflowers. Other caterpillars, produced from moths such as the Silver Y Moth and Diamond Back Moth, can also cause significant plant and crop damage.
Caterpillar Killer contains Steinernema species nematodes for the effective biological control of caterpillars. The nematodes enter the caterpillars via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the contents of the caterpillar. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the caterpillar, which kills it. Infected caterpillars die within a few days turning yellow to light brown and become slimy. The nematodes also reproduce inside the caterpillar, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area.
Apply from May - September, as this is peak caterpillar season.
Caterpillar Killer nematodes are supplied in two pack sizes:
- The standard pack of Caterpillar Killer contains 1 x 25 million nematodes to treat up to 35m2.
- The large pack containing 2 x 25 million nematodes will provide two treatments for area of 35m2 or a single application to total area of 70m2.
When high numbers of caterpillars are present repeat applications of nematodes may be required.
Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Caterpillar Killer Nematodes. Nematodes are UV-sensitive and will not survive long when exposed to bright, sunny conditions. Apply the nematodes early in the morning or early in the evening in order to utilise the optimum humidity levels.
1. First open and empty the contents of your 25 million sachet of nematodes into a bucket or container of 2.5 litres of water and mix thoroughly.
2. Next, fill your sprayer (hand held sprayers should suffice, with filters removed - or use our Nema Super Sprayer for optimum nematode application) with the mixed 2.5 litres of nematode concentrate and add another 5.5 litres of water so you are left with 8 litres of nematode solution.
3. Finally, spray your plants and ensure plenty of the spray solution is applied and directed where possible directly onto the caterpillars.
For severe infestations, repeat the process 5 days after first treatment.
Full instructions are provided on delivery.
You can store unopened nematode packs in a fridge but it is best to ensure you apply your nematodes as soon as possible for the best results.
Caterpillar Killer nematodes are harmless to humans, pets and wildlife, and safe to apply to edible plants.
I have several spindle trees (Euonymus europaeus) which for the past 4-5 years have been attacked by the caterpillars of the Spindle Ermine Moth. These pests cover the branches in really unsightly web and completely defoliate the trees. They look awful and, although they manage to regrow some leaves in the summer, we never get any of the decorative seeds and pods that we planted them for. I tried an early application of the caterpillar killer as soon as I found the tiny pests in late March. It may have been a bit too cold but it did seem to slow the usual progress. I ordered a second batch in mid-April but due to a supply issue with another part of my order, I did not recieve this until the second week of May. By this time a lot of damage had already been done however the tratment does at least appear to have been partially effective and my plants have retained some leaves and indeed have already regrown a few. I will try again next year but I think it needs at least three treatments, probably with two early on in the infestaion and a third (and possibly fourth) later on. No biological controls are quick fixes or 100% but I do think this has helped at least in part.
Top notch
Brilliant result. Definitely will use them again
Worked great!
Product works well almost getting rid of all of the caterpillars will need another spray in coming weeks but definitely kept them at bay
