Don’t Wait To Get Rid Of Soil Borne Insects.

We’re coming up on the last few weeks to get beneficial nematodes in before the summer heat. I buy nematodes every year. Sometimes I add them in fall, sometimes in spring. But no matter which season you choose, heat is your enemy.

Full list of target insects and the variety of nematodes that kill them.

Lots of gardeners know about harmful nematodes that cause problems with plant roots. However, not as many people know about beneficial nematodes. These microscopic hunters kill all sorts of soil borne insects. If you have a problem with pupating insects in your garden, nematodes are one of the few safe ways to get rid of them.

You can order some here: https://amzn.to/3xwdOvN

There are different types of beneficial nematodes. Each kill specific hosts. None kill earth worms, so those guys are safe. I have a couple of types of pupating insects, grubs, ants and termites where I live. So, I just buy a mix of nematodes and cover all my bases.

Add dry nematode mixture to a container to hydrate them in.

One of the big issues I have are wire worms and sweet potato weevils. You can till the soil twice in the coldest part of your winter to try and knock down infestations, but: nematodes kill these guys in between planting seasons. Avoid replanting potatoes or sweet potatoes in the same bed for several years. Potatoes and sweet potatoes don’t need pollination, so covering the planting bed in a fine mesh fabric can keep the infestation from starting. You can also lure weevils by putting store bought carrots in the soil. Weevils prefer carrots. Pull the carrots out regularly and kill any weevils you find. I had all sorts of damage to my sweet potatoes but nothing touched the Irish potatoes that were in the same bed. Trap crops do work. I tried an Irish potato tower a few years ago and was totally unimpressed. However, because of the issues I’ve had with sweet potatoes I may try that method with them.

Mixes of nematodes knock out most soil pests. I buy these: https://amzn.to/3xwdOvN

They aren’t cheap but they are safe. They need to be refrigerated until use.

Simply hydrate your dried nematode packet for fifteen minutes or so and mix them into a watering can. The substrate they come in can clog up a watering can, you can remove the sprinkler head and pour the water full of nematodes out in a stream. Or, do what I do: and shake the water up into the sprinkler part to knock out the clogs as you go.

Add your mixture to a container you can apply them with. Fill with water and apply as directed.

I add these in the amount that is suggested on the packet and say goodbye to wire worms, grubs, potato weevils and many other soil dwelling insects. I really recommend this method of control and I hope they work as well for you as they do for me! Just make sure you apply them before it gets too hot. They like cool temperatures.