Slug Killer Nematodes - Phasmarhabditis sp.

*We will be receiving a fresh batch of Slug Killer Nematodes by the end of June. Please submit a stock notification request and we will email you as soon as they are available to order again*

What Damage Can Slugs Cause?

Slugs can be a highly damaging pest and are particularly fond of succulent seedlings, which if left unprotected, can be completely destroyed in a single night. 

As well as attacking the leafy parts of plants, Slugs will also feast on fruit and vegetable crop. They will chew holes in ripening Strawberries and Tomatoes, and also eat Potatoes, which are of course grown underground, so you may be unaware that such crop is even being attacked.

Identifying Slug Activity

If your seeds do not appear to have germinated, it is possible that Slugs have devoured the emerging seedlings underground. Other indices of recent activity may be made apparent by slime trails, or irregular holes with smooth edges found on leaves.

What Are Slug Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help?

Dragonfli Slug Killer Nematodes are a biological molluscicide containing invective juveniles of Phasmarhabditis sp.. The Phasmarhabditis sp. are minute worm-like nematodes that are approximately 0.3 - 0.5mm long and transparent in appearance. They occur naturally in soils in areas prone with molluscs and are very active when observed under microscope. 

The nematodes, when applied, will enter the slugs via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the contents of the slug. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the slug, which kills it. Infected slugs will be completely broken down by the nematodes. The nematodes also reproduce inside the larvae, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area. 

When Should I Apply The Nematodes?

Slug Killer Nematodes should be applied as soon as Slugs have been identified in the soil. The best application times are from Spring to Autumn. 

How Many Nematodes Do I Need?

We sell Slug Killer Nematode packs to treat areas of either 40m²(containing 12 million nematodes) or 100m² (containing 30 million nematodes).

Each application of nematodes will provide at least six weeks control of slugs.

What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require?

Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Slug 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. Avoid application in frosty conditions.

Soil temperatures should be above 5℃ for the nematodes to be active, if applying in the spring.

How Do I Apply The Nematodes?

1. Dissolve pack contents in a bucket containing 4 litres of water if making up the 40sqm pack, or 10 litres of water if making up the 100sqm pack.
2. Stir vigorously, then add 0.5 litre of the solution to an empty watering can (fitted with a coarse rose filter) and fill the can with 4.5 litres of water.
3. Apply the solution to a twentieth of the soil area to be treated.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the whole area is treated.
5. Water the treated area after application.

The 40sqm pack will make a total of 8 watering cans of 5 litre capacity. The 100sqm pack will make 20 watering cans. The nematodes can be applied with Dragonfli applicators such as the Nema Super Sprayer or Nema T-Pot.

Can I Store Slug Killer Nematodes?

Slug nematodes have a short shelf life compared to other species, apply as soon as possible after receipt.

Slug Killer Nematodes are harmless to humans, pets and wildlife, and safe to apply to edible plants

General Tips

1. Do you only have a few plants or a few m2 garden to treat?

Then add the Slug Killer Nematodes to the amount of water that you normally give to the plants.

2. Want to use a nematode garden sprayer? 

Set the sprayer on mist mode and use a nozzle with holes at least 0.5 mm in size. Make sure the pressure does not exceed 5 bar

Safety

Phasmarhabditis sp. is a 100% natural and organic product. The product is registered and can be safely used in the UK.

Phasmarhabditis sp. is not harmful to humans, pets, plants, earthworms, bees or birds.

Establish Complete Control Over Slugs & Snails By Also Using Our Ferrimax Organic Slug Pellets

Ferrimax Organic Slug Killer is a certified, environmentally friendly pellet for killing Slugs and Snails. The natural active ingredient, ferric phosphate, is harmless to wildlife, humans and the environment. Once the Slugs and Snails feed on the Ferrimax pellets, they crawl away to die.