Get started with slug treatment and stop a slug population explosion!
Here’s why starting nematode treatments now can be highly effective and why these pre-season applications are among the most important.
Understanding the Lifecycle of Slugs and Nematodes
Slugs are notorious for their ability to thrive in moist, cool conditions. Slug eggs laid in our mild winter will be hatching now, beginning their march to grow in numbers. Let's stop them becoming a significant problem come the spring.
Nematodes, specifically like those contained in Nemaslug and Slugtech, are microscopic, parasitic worms that target and kill slugs. They are applied to the soil where they seek out slugs and enter their bodies, releasing bacteria that ultimately kill the host within a few days. The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead slug, continuing the cycle and providing ongoing pest control.
You can use nematodes when soil is above 5°C for most of the day, you can find your soil temperature forecast here.
Why early treatments are critical
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Targeting Juvenile Slugs: Juvenile slugs are more susceptible to nematode infection than their adult counterparts. By applying nematodes early, you can significantly reduce the number of young slugs that survive into adulthood and reproduce. This proactive approach helps break the lifecycle of slugs, leading to fewer slugs.
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Ideal Environmental Conditions: Nematodes thrive in moist conditions that are often met in late summer (or a wet summer) and early autumn. Applying nematodes during this period ensures they remain active and effective, as they require moisture to move through the soil and find their slug hosts.
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Sustainable and Eco-friendly Solution: Using nematodes is an environmentally friendly method of pest control that avoids the use of chemical pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects and soil health. Nematodes specifically target slugs, making them a safe option for organic gardeners and those looking to maintain a balanced ecosystem in their gardens. It also means they are 100% safe around pets and children who can play on and around treated areas immediately.
How to Apply Nematodes Effectively
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Timing: Apply nematodes in the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat of the day, which can dry out the soil and reduce nematode efficacy. Ensure the soil is moist before application and water the area thoroughly afterward to help the nematodes move through the soil.
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Maintenance: Maintain moist soil conditions for at least two weeks after application to ensure nematodes remain active and effective. Reapply every 6 weeks.
So, don’t wait —take action now and give your garden the best chance to thrive slug-free.