Save container-grown plants by banishing vine weevils

A menace to indoor and outdoor plants alike, vine weevils are especially damaging to container-grown plants. Over autumn and winter, the larvae of the weevil lurks beneath the soil, feeding on plants’ roots and cutting off their life supply – eventually killing them. 

Plants with fleshy roots, like fuchsia, primula, begonia, geraniums and most evergreens, are particularly favoured by vine weevils, along with strawberry and raspberry plants. Look out for a plant that is wilting despite being in moist soil – a tell-tale sign that vine weevils are taking their toll.  

Despite the apparently elusive nature of the larvae, controlling them is simple when using Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer, which kills the vine weevil larvae before they have the chance to attack the plants. 

Nemasys Vine Weevil Killer contains microscopic organisms, known as nematodes, which are naturally occurring in the soil, and that seek out and kill vine weevil larvae. Nematodes attack the pest by entering its body and releasing a bacterium which quickly and effectively kills it. The clever organisms then reproduce inside the dying pest and release a new generation of hungry nematodes, which disperse and search for further prey, protecting the area for up to six weeks. 

The product can be used with confidence, as nematodes are only interested in their particular prey, in this case, vine weevil. 

Application is simple: 

• Apply at the first signs of infestation, when the soil is still above five degrees centigrade 
• Mix Nemasys with water (following the pack instructions) and apply immediately using a watering can or hose 
• Straight after application, water well so that the nematodes are washed into the soil  
• Keep the area well-watered for at least two weeks after application 

An entire season’s worth of pest control can be purchased now via online stockists, to be delivered fresh, straight to the door. This means that all planning can be done now, and gardeners can concentrate on planting and growing, safe in the knowledge that pest control is taken care of.  

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

For further information please visit https://www.nemasysinfo.co.uk/ and follow basf_nemasys_uk on Instagram. 

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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.