Posts Tagged ‘White grubs’
Part III – Successful Application of Beneficial Nematodes
Terrie Greco, B.A.; HLT Dip.
Now is the time to buy nematodes…
The warm weather is almost here. Time to care and show off your lawn. We are reposting one of our most read blog post, giving you great advice to achieve the best looking lawn of the season!
Here we go – the most important info you’ll read on nematodes – how to apply them properly!!! If your neighbour tells you they didn’t work – it’s because they purchased an expired product, a poor product – or – they did not provide the correct environment for successful application. Biofloris guarantees the quality of the products it sells!
Hey – these are living micro-organisms – and they need to be applied properly or they won’t be effective!
Rule # 1 – Pre-application preparation
The soil must be moist before, during and after application! Aim for 3-5 days of moist soil…nematodes move through the soil on a water film -so, if you want them to be mobile and search out grubs – apply water to a depth of at least three inches. This is critical to successful distribution throughout the damaged area.
Rule # 2 – Time of year – you may need more than one application!
Spring application is best if you have determined that grubs are already present in the soil.
Summer applications are needed if you have grub larva with a two and 3 year life cycle – such as May/June bugs.
Fall applications should start in late August when grubs are present in the soil again – they are especially close to the surface at this time of year, and this application time is a good preventative measure to avoid spring damage. There is a high kill rate at this time of year.
Rule # 3 – Temperature
Do not apply beneficial nematodes if the temperature is below 50F or 10C, OR if it is hotter than 82F or 28C.
Rule # 4 – Time of day
Nematodes are sensitive to ultraviolet light, so apply in the morning or early evening.
Rule # 5 – How to apply
If the lawn is already moist, use a hose end sprayer – it really is one of the easiest ways to apply for homeowners. Place the sponge in the container, set the hose end sprayer on maximum water, and distribute over the area.
If using a watering can, make sure to stir or shake periodically so the nematodes don’t sink to the bottom. Remember – soil should be moist to a depth of about three inches!
Final Rule # 6
If you can’t use them right away – they should be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (check the package instructions). Otherwise – apply within two hours if they have been added to water.
So there you go – a few simple steps to ensure a successful outcome with nematode applications.
Let me know if you have any questions – that’s what I’m here for!
Three important tips for applying beneficial insects in your garden
- Release the correct beneficial – the pest in question needs to be identified first before choosing an appropriate beneficial insect.
- Ensure proper timing of release. it is just not enough to release a beneficial hoping they’ll stick around ‘just in case’ a pest shows up; the timing of release must coincide with pest emergence
- Provide a favorable habitat to establish a permanent presence in the garden. Beneficial insects need more than just the pest as a food source; they also need refuge, nectar, pollen and a water source. As the Lawn Blog says: “Luckily, attracting beneficial insects is easy. Provide a habitat they’ll like, avoid using chemical pesticides and attract and keep them around with all-natural, easy-to-use products.”
Related Info: http://www.thelawnblog.com/2010/03/03/attract-beneficial-insects-for-all-natural-pest-control-and-greater-yields/
