In this extensive blog we delve deeper into the world of nematodes; the natural enemies of various pests in nature. But what exactly are nematodes and how do they work? Find out here, together with an overview of their benefits, tips for choosing the right species, and a guide for effective use. Learn all about this environmentally friendly and targeted method of pest control, and discover how you can optimally use nematodes for a healthy and natural garden.
Use Nematodes Against Pests and yellow sticky traps together to eliminate fungus gnats quickly and efficiently.
What are nematodes?
Nematodes, also known as nematodes, are tiny organisms that play a crucial role in the natural control of garden pests. They are the natural enemies of various harmful insects, such as snails, grubs and other pest insects. With their ability to adapt to different environments, nematodes have evolved into master hunters that rely on other insects as their source of food and energy.
How do nematodes work?
Nematodes use an ingenious strategy to control pest insects. When introduced into an environment where pest insects are abundant, they actively search for their prey. They navigate through the soil and quickly find their way to the targets. Once near their prey, they penetrate it.
The power of nematodes lies in their ability to use bacteria as a weapon. They carry deadly bacteria that they release as soon as they enter their prey. These bacteria spread rapidly through the body of the pest insect, killing it. The nematodes then feed on the dead tissue of their prey, while simultaneously multiplying and spreading within the insect’s body.
What makes nematodes even more remarkable is their ability to stay in balance with the environment. Once the pest population decreases because the nematodes have done their job, the nematode numbers also decrease because their food source is gone. This continues until the nematodes are also gone from your garden.
Benefits of nematodes at a glance
- Environmentally friendly: Nematodes are a natural method of pest control without harming the environment.
- Targeted action: They specifically target certain pests and do not affect other organisms.
- Safe for humans and pets: Nematodes pose no risk to human health or pets. Learn more here.
- No residue: Nematodes leave no harmful residues on crops or in the soil.
- Natural cycle: They are part of the ecological system and use a natural mechanism.
- Effectiveness against underground pests: Particularly effective against insect larvae and other underground pests.
- Low chance of resistance: Due to physical interaction, the chance of resistance development is low.
- Not possible to overdose: It is not possible to administer too many nematodes to the plants to be treated.
Choose the right nematodes
|
Type of nematode |
Suitable for combating: |
|
Phasmarhabditis Californica |
|
|
Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora |
|
|
Heterorhabditis Downesi |
|
|
Steinernema Carpocapsae |
|
|
Steinernema Feltiae |
|
Choose the right amount
|
Number of nematodes |
Area in m² |
Number of plants |
|
5 million |
10m² |
10-15 plants |
|
12.5 million |
25m² |
25-30 plants |
|
25 million |
50m² |
50-60 plants |
|
50 million |
100m² |
100-120 plants |
|
125 million |
250m² |
500-600 plants |
|
250 million |
500m² |
1100-1200 plants |
Store the nematodes correctly
Store the nematodes in the refrigerator. The freezer is not suitable for this. Keep a close eye on the expiration date. The sooner the nematodes are used, the more effective they are.
Manual
1. Choose the right day.
Nematodes do not tolerate UV light well, so avoid using nematodes on a sunny day.
*Tip: Apply the nematodes in the evening or on a cloudy/rainy day!
2. Check the soil temperature.
In heated greenhouses and conservatories the nematodes can be applied all year round. See below if you want to apply the nematodes outside.
|
Type of nematode |
Suitable soil temperature |
|
Phasmarhabditis Californica |
(5-30˚C) |
|
Heterorhabditis Bacteriophora |
(12-33˚C) |
|
Heterorhabditis Downesi |
(5-28˚C) |
|
Steinernema Carpocapsae |
(8-22˚C) |
|
Steinernema Feltiae |
(8-33˚C) |
3. Make sure the soil is moist.
Moisten the surface to be treated before and after applying the nematodes. Keep the surface moist for 3 weeks after treatment.
4. Mix the contents of the sachet with water.
Dissolve the contents of the package in lukewarm water (15-20°C). Mix the contents of the entire sachet with 1 litre of water, regardless of the amount of nematodes in the sachet. Rinse the sachet, otherwise nematodes will remain in the package. Stir until the contents of the entire sachet are dissolved in the water. You have now prepared the concentrate.
5.Now mix the concentrate with water.
For every (m²) 1 liter of water must be added. For a surface of 10m² you need 10 liters of water. For a surface of 50m² you need 50 liters of water etc.
6. Spray the concentrate over the desired surface/plants.
You cannot administer too many nematodes to a plant. Also, nematodes are not harmful when a plant is not affected by nematodes. So if you have any concentrate left, you can distribute it evenly over the plants to be treated, or administer it to your other plants to be on the safe side.
