The parasitic nematode, Phasmarhabditis sp. is used as a non-chemical means of control. These nematodes are harmless to plants, pets and the wider environment. Slugs can be a highly damaging pest and are particularly fond of succulent seedlings, which if left unprotected, can be completely destroyed in a single night. One application of Nemaslug will provide approx. 300,000 nematodes for every square metre of soil, giving at least six weeks control of slugs. This is generally enough time for seedlings and bedding plants to get well established. Nematodes are the best way to kill slugs naturally –simply water onto the soil around your plants and let them get to work. Salt kills slugs naturally, however, it takes a lot of salt and should not be applied near your plants. Other methods to kill slugs naturally include beer traps and vinegar sprays. Does Vaseline deter slugs? Nematode Nugget: Consider timing your nematode application with the moist conditions of early spring or autumn (fall). It provides the perfect environment for these microscopic allies to thrive! 🐌 A Future of Harmonious Gardening

Bio-controls ie nematodes. These are expensive to buy, so make sure you follow the instructions re soil temperature, watering etc carefully. Slugs. The grandly named Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita is another weapon in the arsenal against slugs. The nematodes can modify the slug's behaviour so that it remains below the ground surface before death. After eating the cadaver, the nematodes produce another generation, which move off through the soil in search of new slug hosts. Slug nematodes are killed off in soil after 6 weeks by a predatory fungus, so repeated applications don't work : and unfortunately, they don't live long in the soil, which is why you need to be very time accurate in applying- just when shoots are emerging or potato tubers forming for example.Slug nematodes have a short shelf life compared to other species, apply as soon as possible after receipt. In this section, I will discuss the numerous benefits of utilising slug nematodes as a means of pest control in gardens and allotments. Eco-Friendly Pest Control If your seeds do not appear to have germinated, it is possible that Slugs have devoured the emerging seedlings underground. Other indices of recent activity may be made apparent by slime trails , or irregular holes with smooth edges found on leaves. What Are Slug Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help?

In the second year of the study we will try to answer some of the questions generated by these results. We will look at the treatments with and without mulch, so we can better understand how the mulch interacts with the pesticides and nematodes.'Nematode Nugget: Biological slug control with nematodes is not only effective but also safe for other garden inhabitants. Consider them as allies in maintaining a balanced garden ecosystem. 🐌 Benefits of Using Nematodes The Natural Approach: Embracing Nematodes Slugs are so abundant in gardens that some damage has to be tolerated. They cannot be eradicated so targeting control measures to protect particularly vulnerable plants, such as seedlings and soft young shoots on herbaceous plants will give the best results. Non-chemical control Biological control Nematodes are roundworms. It is estimated that they represent over 80% of the total number of multicellular animals on Earth. No, the Nematodes are safe to use around all wildlife, animals and children, except the pest they are targeting. Pets and children can access the area straight after Nematodes have been applied without causing any harm to themselves. These are parasitic nematodes that prey on molluscs. They enter the slug and then release a bacteria that kills it. The nematodes then eat the slug and multiply.

There, the nematodes secrete bacteria, which then decompose the slugs from within. The killing process is not yet entirely understood, however. Following the manufactures instructions scatter slug pellets thinly around vulnerable plants, such as seedlings, vegetables and young shoots on herbaceous plants. It is important store pellets safely and scatter them thinly as they can harm other wildlife, pets and young children if eaten in quantity.

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In addition, it is not possible to settle nematodes in the garden, which is why there is no sustainable effect. Most UK slug species are herbivorous, eating leaves, flowers, fruits, mushrooms, lichens and decaying plant material. Some, such as the Leopard slug, are carnivorous and hunt other slugs and snails.