11 May 2021

Customer Question – Nematodes for Wireworm

Q. “I would like some help with nematodes please. I have found Wireworm in some of my garden veg beds. I have also seen the click beetle near the beds, so pretty sure that it is Wireworm, and not some other pest. I think that the nematode that I need is Heterorhabditis bacteriophora? I can see that the brand Nemasys sells a treatment containing HB, its the “Nemasys G” one for chafer grub. Chafer grub appears to be primarily a lawn problem, so will it be safe to use this Nematode treatment on my vegetable beds where produce is already growing? Just want to make sure that its okay to use in areas where edibles are growing?”

A. Thanks for the message and well done for all the research you have done and you are right. The Chafer Nematodes containing Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes is also used to control wireworm. Any nematode treatment including the Chafer Killer is safe to use on veg beds where veg is already growing, so although as you say Chafer Killer is normally used on lawn, you are safe to use it on your veg plants.

To find out more about Wireworm Nematodes – CLICK HERE

Wireworm are the larvae of the common click beetle and they have along life cycle of up to 5 years, so they can be hard to control. Wireworms are a soil based pest that attack potatoes, carrots and other root crops in late summer and autumn. Control wireworms by watering Wireworm Nematodes into the soil when the soil temp is 12°C /54°F and the pest is present i.e. normally May to Sept. 

Wireworm Nematodes contain natural Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes, which are effective at controlling wireworms and are safe to use on food crops and are safe for children, pets and wildlife. It is supplied as a powder which is mixed with water and applied to the soil through a watering can or for larger areas use a Hose-end Feeder / Nematode Applicator. The nematodes should be applied when the soil temp is 12°C /54°F and the pest is present (anytime between May and September). Apply plenty of water after application, so that the nematodes are washed into the soil where they can find the wireworms. As with all nematodes, order when you are ready to apply as they are perishable. Each pack of Wireworm Nematodes treats 100 sqm / 125 sq. yds – it must be used all at once once opened, so to treat a smaller area, just make the solution more concentrated (it is impossible to overdose). N.B. Due to the extended lifecycle, you may need to apply for a number of years to clear the pest.

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