Nemaslug

[spud57]

Hi there. We are new to this and have just built half a dozen raised beds. I have heard that the edges can be a shelter for slugs and snails and would like to try Nemaslug. Can anyone help with tips for its use please? How soon before planting should it be used?

[Protea]

Hi Spud 57,

Nemaslug needs to be used when there are actually slugs present, so do check you have a reasonable population before buying it as its not cheap!

To use it you need to mix all of the powder (containing the nematodes) with water in a bucket and then water it on to your beds with a watering can or similar. You can't over-dose so make sure you use all the mixture as it can't be stored once in solution.

You could probably use it now, but its still a bit cold and the nematodes won't be that mobile - it may also be hard to get hold of now as they won't be manufacturing much of it at the mo. Wait for another month i would say, you can apply it before planting crops or while they are in the ground, it doesn't matter. If you apply it to crops that are very dense and you end up watering the leaves as well as the soil, then after applying all of the solutions go over all the plants and soil with more (plain) water to wash any nematodes that might have landed on the leaves onto the soil.

To get the best out of the product you need to make sure your soil stays moist for the following 4-6 weeks after application, this is because the nematodes reproduce within the slugs so you will get further generations which will continue to slug hunt. They will die if the soil gets very dry though.

Hope this helps!

[yoanbob]

you could try putting copper tape around the outside edge of your bed as well as using nematodes on the inside

[dwrudd]

I have used Nemaslug for the last three years and I think it is well worth the investment.

It contains a nematode that is actually already present in most soils but the increased population really hits home on the slug front.

Leave it till mid march or when your first delicate seedlings go in. Then all you have to worry about are pigeons, rabbits, vine weavel etc etc etc

Good luck, don't have nightmares
Darren

[spud57]

thank you for all your advice. special thanks to protea. looks like them slugs is in for a real hard time next month

[Snadger]

Does it kill the subterranean keel slug?

[Protea]

Does it kill the subterranean keel slug?

Nemaslug only works 'underground', it has no effect on slugs on the surface of the soil. So yes, it will kill keel slugs, along with other slugs when they go underground.