Photo by Entomology, CSIRO (via Wikimedia Commons)
Nematodes (also sometimes known as roundworms) are often considered to be a natural method of treating grub and other small pest infestations - a chemical-free alternative that can help free your garden from all manner of unwelcome visitors.
If you’ve found yourself with a leatherjacket infestation in your lawn, you may be wondering whether or not you could use nematodes for lawn pest control - we’re afraid the short answer to that question is no.
Nematodes can be quite hit and miss when it comes to taking care of pests living on your lawn - other, more effective methods of pest control are available. Although we’d advise against the use of nematodes as a method of lawn pest control, keep reading to find out more about nematodes and how they can be used to try and treat leatherjacket infestations.
What are beneficial nematodes?
Nematodes are microscopic worms that are found organically in soils and other habitats. For the typical homeowner, beneficial nematodes offer value due to the variety of pests they can control, and the ease at which they control them.
Beneficial nematodes make their way through your lawn in search of food, which often takes the form of insects and pests. They do this during their immature and infective stage, growing and multiplying inside the insects.
How do nematodes kill pests?
Beneficial nematodes kill the insects and pests in your lawn by entering their bodies through any openings that they find, or by boring through the body wall. Once they have done this, the nematodes release their unique bacteria that infects and kills the insect within 36-48 hours. They then feed and reproduce, which leads to more nematodes being present in your lawn.
What pests do nematodes control?
Nematodes have been known to control a wide range of lawn pests to varied success. These include:
- White grubs
- Ants
- Fruit flies
- Onion & cabbage maggots
- Masked chaffers
- Bagworms
- Japanese beetles
- Flea beetles
- Mole crickets
- And much more
Applying nematodes to your lawn
If you're interested in using nematode treatments for lawn pest control, there are several ways in which they can be applied. These vary, however, depending on the type of pest you are trying to control. The three main methods of application are:
- Top dressing
- Spraying
- Injection
Each of these application methods will have its own set of instructions to ensure the nematodes are properly applied. Be sure to double-check the package instructions to ensure proper applications and that no steps are missed.
How we can help?
As mentioned above, nematodes' effectiveness as a lawn pest control solution is hit and miss. If you are experiencing issues with pests and would like to ensure they are dealt with properly, Lawn & Weed Expert are the professionals to call!
We provide effective lawn pest control that will take care of your pest problems in an efficient manner. You can learn more about our lawn pest control services by clicking the button below!
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