Nematodes

[smurfchops]

I have lost a lot of bushes and trees in the garden, I have been told at the garden centre it could be through vine weevil. Has anyone used Nematodes .. do they work, when should I use them, can I store them in the fridge, and are they safe near cats? I understand Nematodes are live worms. Thanks all.

[Nosha123]

I used nematodes last year to combat slugs etc
If you dig up the earth around your plants and find white 'grubs' then they are the vine weevil larvae who cause the damage eating roots of plants and causing plant collapse. Nematodes are completely safe to cats, pets and as I understand it wildlife too... you must store them in the fridge and apply as per instructions.
Mine were to combat slugs (there are diff types) and it did work but needs to be repeated each year. the slugs the following year all looked a bit mutated too!!!! the nematodes burrow into the slug etc and cause damage to their internals and they die. Well worth trying if you prefer the enviro friendly approach!

[Nosha123]

I hasten to add - the plant collapse could indeed be vine weevil larvae... once adults the nemotodes wont work.. they are small black like beetles and eat holes in the leaves of plants and cannot fly. only come out at night.
Check our shootgardening.co.uk or crocus.co.uk for more help

[smurfchops]

Nosha, what time of year did you use Nematodes ?

[katerich48]

I've used Nematodes and was told to use them in September and to be on the safe side again in the spring when the grubs are hatching out.. When you get them they don't look like worms but like a sort of beige dust that you mix with water..and you have to water every day for something like 3 weeks and the ground musn't be too cold .. I won't know if its worked until this year - Last year I was having to go out at night with a torch to catch the vine weevils which wasn't fun - but they'd probably done all the damage by then..

[Nosha123]

sorry Smurfchops.. Only just seen your question back to me. I applied them in April time once ground frosts had cleared.