We have a slug problem: I don't want them eating our plants! Has anyone used nematodes to control them and how effective was the treatment? Do you need to carry on with the treatment through the growing season or should the first one be enough?
I have never heard of nematodes to control slugs. I use slug bait if I have to, but I keep chickens that somehow know there is something to be had in my flowerbeds and fly the coop to scratch all the mulch out into the grass stupid mess makers!
The grounds keeper at my work uses nematodes for our grub problem. It does work, but you can not expect to see instant results. It takes a while before the nematodes get established, start to multiply and results are seen. Our Groundskeeper noticed a huge improvement over the course of a year.
Thank you Netty,that is very good to know. Carolyn,we can buy them here by the box and they are just added to water and a watering can is all that is needed. I would probably prefer the chicken option,but then again so might Buddy and Nyla-if you know what I mean
Netty, are they used for grubs or slugs? kiasmum, are these nematodes specific to slugs and are marketed for that? I truly don't think we have that available here or I have never seen/noticed it.
Carolyn, Here's a link to the stuff I'm thinking of getting but they also do a whole raft of specific nematodes for all sorts of other 'problems' http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/nemaslug.html Karin
I did google them after I asked about them... they all have a UK web address. They must not be widely available or available at all here. I don't know. I will have to remember to check when I am out and about.
Kiasmum, our yard/gardening area has all sorts of bugs/grubs/slugs. Last season our garden was full of cucumber beetle, squash wine borer, squash bugs, tomato horn worm and what not. This year my husband ordered some beneficial nematodes; they are sitting in the fridge now waiting for the temperature to be little warm. I do not know if they will work on slugs but I definitely need something like you planning on using for slugs. Thanks for sharing the link. here is what we bought http://www.amazon.com/Pyes-Scanmask-Liv ... r+230+Bugs
Nematodes will not work for deer. Nematodes only attack soil dwelling insects. They enter the larva via mouth, anus or respiratory openings and start to feed. This causes specific bacteria to emerge from the intestinal tract of the nematode. These spread inside the insect and multiply very rapidly. The bacteria convert host tissue into products which can easily be taken up by the nematodes. The soil dwelling insect dies within a few days. (taken from the IPM website, you can read more about them here http://www.nematodes.com/ We use them at work for controlling grubs in the lawn. I have never heard of them being used for slugs.
Netty--Thank you for your very patient reply to my very ludicrous question. I was actually joking. I should make my humor clearer. We are overrun with deer here in Harvard, MA. I spend 1/2 my gardening time trying to figure out ways to foil them. The biggest problem is that they are hosts for deer ticks which carry lyme disease. I have been treated for it several times as have many other gardeners in Harvard. 2/3rds of the dog population in town have antibodies to lyme disease. I can't walk in my yard barefoot without finding multiple deer ticks on my feet. I was making a very poor joke about wishing my problem were about slugs or grubs. But, I have read with interest how effective nemadotes can be with various (other than deer) pests.
Haha Cayuga ... you got me! We have a HUGE problem with deer where I work too. We spend a lot of time trying to keep them out of the veggie plots, and they have recently discovered the many Hosta beds, and perennial gardens as well. So far, ticks have NOT been a problem. But last summer several ticks were found on the island where we have our cottage, and two were tested for Lyme and found positive. Scary!
CM, maybe you could borrow Charlie the Great Dane from Ronni....keep him in your garden. Funny, I thought you were joking. Netty was ever so patient, too. Kudo's to Netty!
I am intrigued with using nematodes for slugs. Will be having to try this. Thanks for the information. :-D
