Your Simple Guide to Using Nemasys Beneficial Nematodes: Naturally protect your garden from pests – the easy way

Beneficial nematodes are tiny, invisible-to-the-eye creatures that live in the soil and help tackle a wide range of common garden pests – like grubs, slugs, vine weevils and fungus gnat larvae – without the need for chemicals.

They’re simple to use, but applying them correctly makes all the difference. That’s why Nemasys, the UK’s only nematode producer, has put together this easy guide to help you get the best results.

1. Pick the right nematode for the job

·       Different nematodes target different pests. Choose the one that suits your needs:

·       Nemaslug 2.0 – Complete biological slug control

·       Nemasys Biological Vine Weevil Killer

·       Nemasys Biological Leatherjacket killer

·       Nemasys Biological No Ants – Disrupts ant nests and moves them away from the garden

·       Nemasys Biological Fruit and Veg Protection Protects against 10 common garden and allotment pests including

-       Carrot and cabbage root fly

-       Onion fly

-       Sciarid fly (fungus gnat)

-       Box caterpillar

-       Cutworms

-       Shore fly

-       Sawfly

-       Thrips

-       Codling moth

2. Apply at the right time

• Spring and autumn are ideal, as most pests are young and soil is moist. Summer applications work too if the soil is kept damp for up to two weeks after applying.
• Temperature: Apply when soil is between 5–29°C. Avoid frosty periods or heatwaves. A bit of light frost is fine, but not regular freezes!
• Time of day: Early morning or late afternoon is best. This protects the nematodes from strong sunlight and harmful UV rays which can weaken them.

3. Prepare the soil

• Water well before you start. Damp soil helps nematodes move and find their targets much more easily.
• Clear the way. Remove hard mulch or surface debris so nematodes can reach the soil quickly.

4. Mix and apply properly

• Mixing: Follow the instructions on your pack. Typically, you’ll stir them into water and apply using a watering can, hose-end sprayer, or pump sprayer with a coarse nozzle. Stir regularly so the nematodes don’t sink to the bottom.
• Spreading: Apply evenly over the target area. The pack will tell you how much area it covers.

5. Aftercare matters

• Water again straight after applying to help nematodes move deeper into the soil.
• Keep the soil moist for at least two weeks. This helps them stay alive and do their job well.

6. Store them properly

• Nematodes are alive, so keep them in the fridge (not the freezer!) until you’re ready to use them.
• Check the use-by date and try to apply them as soon as possible for the best results.

7. Monitor and reapply if needed

• You should see fewer pests within 1–2 weeks.
• For ongoing problems, or to stay on top of pests, reapply every six weeks during key periods.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a naturally healthy, pest-free garden – without harsh chemicals.

Learn more or browse the full Nemasys range at: www.nemasysinfo.co.uk

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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.