Support garden wildlife and keep pests in check, naturally, this Garden Wildlife Week and beyond

Garden Wildlife Week runs from 26th May to 2nd June, and it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the creatures that call our gardens home, and how we can protect them. From bees and butterflies to hedgehogs and birds, our gardens are alive with wildlife that plays a vital role in the ecosystem. As gardeners, we can do our bit to create a safe haven for them to thrive.

But even the most wildlife-friendly gardens can come under siege from pests like slugs, vine weevils, leatherjackets and root flies. While traditional pest control might tackle the problem, it can also put beneficial wildlife at risk, harming birds, hedgehogs and other animals that might feed on treated pests.

This Garden Wildlife Week, switch to a more nature-friendly solution.

Nemasys® beneficial nematodes are a natural, chemical-free way to target problem pests without upsetting the balance of your garden’s ecosystem. These microscopic worms work by parasitising and eliminating specific pests without harming other wildlife, pets or people. Unlike other pest products, once their job is done, they naturally reduce in number, blending back into the soil without leaving behind any harmful residues. 

They’re a favourite among organic gardeners for good reason:

• Effective on a range of pests including slugs, vine weevil, sciarid flies and codling moth
• Safe for pollinators, hedgehogs, and other garden allies
• Suitable for use on ornamental plants and food crops alike

Simple to apply in just four easy steps:

1. Mix your chosen nematode product with a small amount of water, stir thoroughly, then add the rest of the water.
2. Apply using a watering can fitted with a coarse rose to prevent the nematodes getting trapped.
3. Keep the soil moist for a couple of weeks after treatment to help the nematodes stay active.
4. Reapply as needed - especially for severe infestations or preventative control.

Top tips for success:

For the best results, apply Nemasys® early in the morning or in the evening, when sunlight is low - this helps protect the nematodes from UV rays, which can harm or kill them. It's also crucial to check that soil temperatures are suitable for application (typically between 5°C and 30°C, depending on the nematode species). Timing is everything: nematodes are most effective against pests in their juvenile or larval stages, so apply them when the target pests are at their most vulnerable in the life cycle.

Garden Wildlife Week is a timely reminder of the pressures our wildlife faces—but by choosing more mindful and sustainable gardening practices, like natural pest control, we can help protect these valuable species and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

To see nematodes in action, check out this short explainer video: https://youtu.be/JHNG1KSluh0

Explore the full Nemasys® range and find your nearest stockist at www.nemasysinfo.co.uk, and follow us on Instagram @Nemasys_uk for more tips and wildlife-friendly advice.

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.