Embrace Nature's Allies: Safeguard Your Garden from Pests this National Garden Wildlife Week with Beneficial Nematodes

National Garden Wildlife Week takes place from the 27th May until the 2nd June; a week dedicated to the creatures found in our gardens and how we can do more to support them. Thankfully, many gardeners are consciously aware of the impact their garden has on the natural world, and much of our effort is positive, as we allow pollinators and native wildlife to thrive amongst the nectar-rich blooms and sheltering plants. However, challenges can arise when common pests are discovered decimating flowerbeds.  

Traditional pest control methods can be effective at controlling and reducing unwanted guests like slugs and vine weevil, but they can also negatively impact garden wildlife like hedgehogs and birds that may consume these insects.  

By applying Nemasys beneficial nematodes to the garden, pests like slugs, leatherjackets, chafer grubs and more can be banished without harming or negatively affecting other wildlife. This is because these tiny, microscopic worms, only attack and kill their intended pests. By acting as a parasite, these biological pest controllers release a bacterium that infects the body of the host. The nematodes then eat the host and continue to hunt for the next pest to consume, until the pest population is decimated. 

Nematodes are also an ideal choice of pest control for organic gardeners. They are specific to certain pests and will not infect nor harm other creatures, pets or people. They can also be applied to food produce to control unwanted dinner guests such as slugs, sciarid flies, codling moth and many more. 

Once the pest population has dwindled, the nematodes will die off as there is no further food source for them to thrive on. Unlike other forms of pest control that can seep and flow into rivers and water sources, nematodes will reduce to numbers naturally found in the soil. 

Treating your garden couldn’t be easier with Nemasys® Beneficial Nematodes. In just four simple steps you can reduce the population of unwanted pests in your garden in as little as three days, and maximum effect occurring in around two weeks post-application.  

1. Mix your chosen nematode product with a small amount of water and stir thoroughly to ensure all lumps are fully dispersed before adding in the rest of the water.  
2. When using a watering can to apply the product, use a coarse rose. This is key as the nematode solution will get stuck in smaller holes. 
3. Keep the soil moist for a few weeks after application, to make sure the nematodes remain active. 
4. Repeat applications of nematodes may be required, especially when treating slugs. 

Using nematodes in the right conditions is also a key factor. The product should be applied when the temperature of the soil is within the right range (usually between 5°C and 30°C, depending on nematode species) and when UV light levels are low, so ideally early in the morning or at dusk. Ensure you are targeting the right stage of the pest at the right time of year. 

To find out more about how nematodes work, take a look at this short video - https://youtu.be/JHNG1KSluh0  

To view the entire range of nematodes and to find a list of stockists, please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram. 

Ends

Editors notes

Nematodes are naturally occurring microscopic worms, already present in our soil. Beneficial nematodes attack and kill targeted garden pests. They are compatible with organic farming, easy to use and can even be kept in your fridge!

Research scientists have isolated the nematodes that kill specific garden pests including Slugs, Vine weevils, Leatherjackets, Caterpillars, Codling moth and much more.

BASF’s state of the art production facility in the UK produces billions of nematodes in a form that is easily applied by gardeners. Over 20,000 different species of nematodes have been classified, although some estimates put the total figure closer to one million! BASF has the largest specialist nematode production facility in the world, growing trillions of beneficial nematodes for use in their Nemasys range of pest control products.

BASF experts are available for interviews, features and expert comment on biological pest control management, and product is available for reviews, competitions and product trials.