Chafer Grub Killer Nematodes - Heterorhabditis bacteriophora

What Are Chafer Grubs? 

Chafer Grubs are the larvae of Chafer Beetles. They are a common lawn pest in the UK and can cause significant damage primarily by eating the grass roots. This damage is soon multiplied as animals and birds will then dig up the grass in their quest to locate the grubs. 

What Are Chafer Grub Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help?

Our Chafer Grub Killer contains the nematode; Heterohabditis bacteriophora. These nematodes will enter the Chafer Grub via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the contents of the Chafer Grub. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the Chafer Grub, which kills it. Infected grubs will often change colour and will eventually be completely broken down by the nematodes. 

When Should I Apply The Nematodes?

The optimum time for applying Chafer Grub Killer is when Chafer Grubs are close to the soil surface from July to October, when the soil is warm. You should aim to apply the nematodes as early as possible within this period as the younger Chafer grubs are more vulnerable at this stage. Ensure there are signs of grub activity in the soil before application.

How Many Nematodes Do I Need?

Chafer Grub Killer Nematodes are supplied in four pack sizes:

The 25million pack will treat an area of up to 50m².

The 50million pack will treat an area of up to 100m².

The 250million pack will treat an area of up to 500m².

The 500million pack will treat an area of up to 1000m².

If your lawn has suffered severely from Chafer damage, and the number of grubs in the soil is high, multiple applications will be required to eradicate infestation. Consider applying your nematode treatment every 2 weeks.

What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require?

Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Chafer Grub 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. 

How Do I Apply The Nematodes?

To increase the effectiveness of your nematode treatment, we always advise you spike and scarify the lawn before application. If there are bare patches or poor grass coverage, spiking the ground is particularly important. If grass thatch is thick, scarifying the lawn is vital in aiding the passage of nematodes into the soil. The lawn also needs to be kept moist for nematodes to penetrate the soil and reach the Chafer Grubs. 

See also our Nemaflo carrier which will help aid the movement of the nematodes in the soil.

(Please note the following instruction measurements apply to the 100m² pack)

1. First open and empty the contents of your 50 million sachet of nematodes into a bucket or container of 5 litres of water and mix thoroughly to make a nematode concentrate solution.

2. Next, take 0.5 litres of nematode concentrate solution and add to an 8 litre watering can and fill with water (or, if applying our 50sqm & 100sqm packs, use the Nema Super Sprayer for optimum nematode application to lawns).

3. Water the diluted nematode solution into the lawn with each watering can covering an area of 10m². 10 watering cans be made up from the 5 litres of nematode solution which can treat a total area of 100m².

Ensure your lawn area is moist for up to 2 weeks after application.

Full instructions are provided on delivery.

Can I Store The Nematodes?

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.

Chafer Grub Killer nematodes are harmless to humans, and safe to apply to edible plants.

Also Use Our Chafer Beetle Traps For Complete Chafer Control

Consider supplementing your treatment by using our Chafer Beetle Trap from July to October, to help reduce the number of breeding adult beetles. This will contribute to the overall reduction of Chafer Beetles in your garden.

Repair Your Damaged Lawn With Our Lawn Grub Repair Boost

To help repair Lawns from Chafer damage, try our Lawn Grub Repair Boost. This natural biostimulant helps roots regrow, and aids new grass growth. This will further negate lawn damage, and can be used in combination with nematode treatments. Treatments can begin as soon as grass begins growing in the spring.