Natural Fruit and Veg Nematodes offer natural protection to a range of different fruit and vegetables without the need for chemicals. These nematodes will protect your crops from a range of pests including sciarid fly, cabbage root fly, carrot root fly, cutworms, leatherjackets, onion fly, ants, caterpillars, gooseberry sawfly, thrips and codling moth.
One pack treats 60sq.m (645 sq.ft) or 16 trees.
What Are Natural Fruit and Veg Nematodes?
Nemasys Natural Fruit and Veg nematodes are a mix of microscopic worms which are found naturally in your soil but by applying the nematodes you are increasing the levels. The nematodes seek out and attack a range of common garden pests. Once the nematode have safely and quickly killed it's target, they reproduce and move on to find it's next prey.
It can take up between 7-21 days to see the benefits from using chafer nematodes however you should notice a significant reduction in the number of grubs within the first two weeks.
Nematodes will only last in your soil for around six weeks so it's common for customers to order multiple orders through the season. We offer repeat delivery options where we will automatically dispatch future orders 6 weeks after your previous delivery, see following link:
Nematodes are very easily applied by dissolving the pack in water and distributing the nematodes evenly across your area by either using a watering can or a miracle grow applicator. Full instructions and dilution rates are provided and can also be found on the product images. See below for more info on application.
Nematodes are a live beneficial organism so have a short shelf life of around two weeks. We advise ordering the nematodes when you wish to use them. If you don't use them straight away they need to be stored in a fridge and used before their expiry date.
When and how to apply?
The soil temperature needs to be above 12°C for the nematodes to be effective.
The soil temperature is generally warmer than the air temperature so the nematodes can survive the odd frost and slightly lower night time temperatures.
Due to these nematodes offering protection against a wide range of pests, they can be applied anywhere between April to October. Please see below information on when to apply depending on which pest you are looking at treating:
Sciarid Fly (also known as fungus knat)
This is a common pest often found in houseplants as well as plants in greenhouses and conservatories.
The larval stage of the sciarid fly attacks the roots of plants and may cause the death of seedlings. These nematodes will attack the larvae which will in turn significantly reduce the Sciarid fly.
Application time: April to August (Applying outside of this timeframe may still aid the control).
How to apply: Apply as a drench around roots of the plants or where pest is present. Apply to moist soil and water in. You can apply using a watering can with a course rose head or use a hose end applicator for larger areas.
Frequency of application: Repeat applications are required to control the pest.
Coverage: Treats 60sq.m (645 sq.ft)
Please note when applying to greenhouses you can apply to soil in pots, growing bags or open soil.
Carrot root fly, cabbage root fly, onion fly and cutworm
These common garden pests are supressed by using natural fruit and veg nematodes.
Application time: April to August (Applying outside of this timeframe may still aid the control).
How to apply: Apply as a drench around roots of the plants or where pest is present. Apply to moist soil and water in. You can apply using a watering can with a course rose head or use a hose end applicator for larger areas.
Frequency of application: Fortnightly application maintains control and catches subsequent generations.
Coverage: Treats 60sq.m (645 sq.ft)
Leatherjackets and ants
Although we have specific nematodes to treat leatherjacket grubs or ants when you have a bad infestation, some of the nematode mix in the natural fruit and veg will help control issues with both these pests.
Application time: April to August (Applying outside of this timeframe may still aid the control).
How to apply: Apply as a drench around roots of the plants or where pest is present. Apply to moist soil and water in. You can apply using a watering can with a course rose head or use a hose end applicator for larger areas.
Frequency of application: Repeat applications are required to control the pest.
Coverage: Treats 60sq.m (645 sq.ft)
Please note ant nematodes don't kill ants, they just can't tolerate the nematodes so will move away from the treated area.
Caterpillars, Gooseberry Sawfly and Thrips
These three pests can all cause severe damage to your crops and need to be treated slightly different in their application with the natural fruit and veg nematodes.
Application time: Apply when pest is present. Consider weekly applications until all pests have hatched out.
How to apply: Use a pump sprayer. Spray the pests on the plants. Pests not directly sprayed will not be controlled. Wet areas before applying. Avoid direct sunlight.. It is essential that the nematodes make contact with these pests when applying.
Frequency of application: 3 applications are recommended to control all pests hatching out.
Coverage: Treats 60sq.m (645 sq.ft)
Codling Moth
The codling moth is a major pest for causing damage to apples and pears. Treating with nematodes will significantly reduce the damage this pest can cause on your fruit.
Application time: Apply during September or October. Make 3 weekly applications to control all pests hatching out.
How to apply: Use a pump sprayer. Apply to the trunk, main branches and soil beneath the canopy. Wet areas before applying.
Frequency of application: 3 applications are essential to control all pests hatching out.
Coverage: 16 trees
Provides control of the overwintering stages and therefore protection for the following year.
Don't apply in direct sunlight, ideally on an overcast day or in the evening. Keep the soil nice and moist for at least two weeks after the application. The nematodes thrive in wet conditions.