Gardening Naturally wireworm nematodes (Steinernema feltiae & Steinernema carpocapsae) are a natural organic pest control designed to reduce wireworm damage in planted beds, borders and vegetable plots. Classic signs of a wireworm infestation include stunted plant growth, tunnels or scars in root vegetables, weak or dying plants, root rot, or sighting long, slender yellow-brown worms in the plant bed. These nematodes are microscopic transparent worms that live in the soil and feed and multiply inside the wireworms they come into contact with. These nematodes are also known as Phasmarhabditis californica. Unlike synthetic pest control options, these highly specific natural predators will hunt day and night to protect your vegetables from unwanted intruders while leaving other beneficial insects alone.

How does it work?

Nematodes naturally occur within soil in the UK, but in low numbers. By adding more of these wireworm-specific nematodes, you can quickly reduce wireworm populations before they are able to mature into click beetles. When they come into contact with a wireworm, they enter through natural openings and feed and multiply. Within days, the wireworm will stop eating, and within a week, it will die. The nematodes will multiply and spread out in the soil, seeking more wireworms to continue to propagate. Most of this occurs below the surface.

How do I use them?

Gardening Naturally nematodes are supplied as a dry powder which can be mixed with water in a watering can and then applied to the area you want to protect. We advise applying them between April and July when click beetles are likely to be laying their eggs. The best results are usually found when applied in May, prior to planting any susceptible crops.  Once applied, try to make sure that the soil doesn't completely dry out to ensure that the nematode population remains healthy and strong.

Is it safe?

Nematodes are completely natural and prevalent in most gardens throughout the UK. Gardening Naturally predatory nematodes are simply a more precise and effective version, which will only target the local wireworm population. They are designed for use where pets and other wildlife are present,

When is the best time to use Nematodes?

The best time to use these nematodes would be when the soil temperature is in the late spring or early summer, when click beetles have laid their eggs, but before your crops are planted. We find that May is the best time, and regular treatments through to July provide the best result.

Application Advice:

1. Dissolve the entire contents of the pack in a bucket containing 6L of water to create a solution.
2. Stir vigorously and then take 500ml of the solution and add it to a 5L watering can fitted with a coarse rose and fill with water.
3. Apply this to a 5m² area
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the whole area has been treated

In total, you should go through 12 watering cans (60L of water) and cover a 60m² area.