Comments on: Nematode for Grub Control http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/2008/08/01/nematode-for-grub-control/ Garden Harvest Supply sells home and garden products with the goal of providing high quality products at affordable prices. We also emphasize products that are safe for you, your pets and the environment. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:11:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Karen http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/2008/08/01/nematode-for-grub-control/#comment-915 Karen Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:13:08 +0000 http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/?p=100#comment-915 Diatomaceous earth can be used to control grubs, but it might not be the best solution for lawns and pre-existing gardens. To be effective, it needs to be mixed into the soil to a depth of six inches at a rate of 1/2 cup per square foot. It would need to be applied annually in the early spring, when the grubs are most active. Its best use is application around the base of plants during the summer months to control everything from bean beetles to squash bugs. Diatomaceous Earth has a moderate effect on slugs. Diatomaceous earth can be used to control grubs, but it might not be the best solution for lawns and pre-existing gardens. To be effective, it needs to be mixed into the soil to a depth of six inches at a rate of 1/2 cup per square foot. It would need to be applied annually in the early spring, when the grubs are most active. Its best use is application around the base of plants during the summer months to control everything from bean beetles to squash bugs. Diatomaceous Earth has a moderate effect on slugs.

]]> By: Judi http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/2008/08/01/nematode-for-grub-control/#comment-865 Judi Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:29:20 +0000 http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/?p=100#comment-865 Does Diotomaceous Earth (DE) do the same thing as the nematodes and the Milky Spore? Meaning kill the slugs and Japanese Beetle grubs? Does Diotomaceous Earth (DE) do the same thing as the nematodes and the Milky Spore? Meaning kill the slugs and Japanese Beetle grubs?

]]> By: Karen http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/2008/08/01/nematode-for-grub-control/#comment-227 Karen Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:04:01 +0000 http://blog.gardenharvestsupply.com/?p=100#comment-227 Entomopathogenic nematodes are microscopic worms that live in the moisture between soil particles, and are a natural predator of white grubs, the larva stage of many garden beetles. They already exist in your soil in many species and there are some that burrow into the roots of vegetables and perennials, creating "knots" in the roots that can cause plant damage. Other naturally occurring species help control grubs and sod web worms and other garden pests. Each of these targets (pests, grubs) have a different growth and development cycle, so there are different nematode species that target the different pests. The most widely commercially available varieties sold specifically that target the grubs in turf, are the Hb strain that is targeted toward the Japanese Beetle grub and chafers; the Sc strain for web worms and cut worms; and the Sf strain that targets fungus gnats and some flies. The downside of nematodes is that they are a living organism, so if not handled properly during packaging, shipping and storage they most likely won't survive, plus there is an optimal time and soil temperature when they should be applied for them to work. We don't carry nematodes, but if you choose to apply them, try using them in combination with our <a href="http://www.gardenharvestsupply.com/productcart/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=30" rel="nofollow">Milky Spore Powder</a> which has a much more flexible application time. Nematodes are usually applied at a very specific time in the spring just as the semi-mature larva are approaching the surface to pupate. The nematodes are not digested but rather infest the larva, in order to work. Milky Spore is ingested by the grub and it causes death. It will remain active in the soil for a greater time. Entomopathogenic nematodes are microscopic worms that live in the moisture between soil particles, and are a natural predator of white grubs, the larva stage of many garden beetles. They already exist in your soil in many species and there are some that burrow into the roots of vegetables and perennials, creating “knots” in the roots that can cause plant damage.

Other naturally occurring species help control grubs and sod web worms and other garden pests. Each of these targets (pests, grubs) have a different growth and development cycle, so there are different nematode species that target the different pests.

The most widely commercially available varieties sold specifically that target the grubs in turf, are the Hb strain that is targeted toward the Japanese Beetle grub and chafers; the Sc strain for web worms and cut worms; and the Sf strain that targets fungus gnats and some flies. The downside of nematodes is that they are a living organism, so if not handled properly during packaging, shipping and storage they most likely won’t survive, plus there is an optimal time and soil temperature when they should be applied for them to work.

We don’t carry nematodes, but if you choose to apply them, try using them in combination with our Milky Spore Powder which has a much more flexible application time. Nematodes are usually applied at a very specific time in the spring just as the semi-mature larva are approaching the surface to pupate. The nematodes are not digested but rather infest the larva, in order to work. Milky Spore is ingested by the grub and it causes death. It will remain active in the soil for a greater time.

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