Nematodes- How good are they?

[greenishfing]

Lots of my spuds and strawberries were slugged last year. Does anyone use nematodes and how effective are they?

Is it worth giving them a go?

[WilliamD]

I found them very good, but on the basis of using them twice, with the recommended interval in between (can't remember what that was just now). They may not help if your slugs come into your space overnight from next door, but if they're living and breeding in the area you apply the nematodes to, they can be very effective. You need to observe the instructions about keeping them refrigerated until you're about to use them, so best buying them from somewhere guaranteeing next day delivery

[Small pumpkin]

I'm a big fan. They do a very good job. I put them on empty beds about a week before I'm ready to plant up. Just because it's easier than watering them round plants. Plants are well established before any sign of slugs come back. A second lot maybe required later in the season for spuds. But don't hold me to that. I can't quite remember.

[Nicos]

We used them in the UK.
Brill results so long as you store them properly, use them soon after they arrive and not when it's going to be frosty!( they are living things and need to be in damp , frostfree soil!
Buy them from a reputable place.

You may find you need to use them for a couple of years to make a huge different.

[muddled]

I've not tried them but am planning to give them a go this year.

Generally I just use 'slug pubs' on my allotment and chickens in my garden but last year I lost EVERY SINGLE ONE of my squash plants...both winter and summer...to the slimies.

I actually had to BUY butternuts this winter
Never again!
This year its war !!!

[sparrow100]

I've used them 4 years running - they've been brilliant.

[Hole Digger]

They work out expensive,but they do keep the numbers down,have used for four or five years with good results.

[Aberdeenplotter]

I agree they are expensive but they are very effective. Important to wait until the soil warms up a bit before applying them. When using with spuds, apply the nematodes immediately before earthing up

[mothhawk]

A study at John Moores University, Liverpool has recently discovered that some nematodes kill bumble bees (Bombus terrestris, the buff tailed bumble). Specifically I believe they trialled nemasys GYO nematodes, which I think are now marketed as nemasys Fruit and Vegetable Protection.

So far the trials have been controlled, i.e. under laboratory conditions, but it has certainly put me off using nematodes. Bees are already under a lot of stress from regular pesticides, and to find biological alternatives can also do for them is bad news.

https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/about-us/news...threat-to-bees

[Grumpy Gardener]

Having had a glance at the report it certainly makes me think twice about using nematodes again until more investigation has taken place.
John