Cutworm Killer
Cutworm Killer
Nematodes are a natural form of pest control and are safe to use against Cutworms that generally feed at night, on the ground surface, and can damage a wide variety of salad plants, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Infestation is often spotted as they feed on the roots of seedlings which causes young plants to collapse.
Cutworms are the larvae / caterpillars of several different moths, the most common being the Turnip Moth. The caterpillars are generally grey to brown in colour and tend to curl up when they are disturbed.
SKU:2666
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Product Description
Nematodes are a natural form of pest control and are safe to use against Cutworms that generally feed at night, on the ground surface, and can damage a wide variety of salad plants, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Infestation is often spotted as they feed on the roots of seedlings which causes young plants to collapse.
Cutworms are the larvae / caterpillars of several different moths, the most common being the Turnip Moth. The caterpillars are generally grey to brown in colour and tend to curl up when they are disturbed.
Once the nematodes are in contact with a caterpillar they will enter it via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed. During this feeding a natural bacteria is produced by the nematodes which kills the caterpillar. Whilst feeding, the nematodes also reproduce inside the caterpillar, releasing more nematodes into the host and surrounding area. Once the caterpillar is dead, the nematodes numbers will naturally reduce to normal levels.
1 pack contains 25 million nematodes which is sufficient to treat up to 50 square metres.
As the nematodes are supplied as a powder they should be mixed with water initially each pack should be mixed with 2.5 litres and stirred, ensuring there are not lumps. This solution is your working mix. This working mix should then be mixed with 5.5 litres of water and this is your treatment mix. You must ensure there are no lumps in the solution otherwise your sprayer will block.
PLEASE NOTE - As the nematodes are shipped live they are bred in batches to be as fresh as possible when they reach you, therefore orders are despatched in around 5 working days.
Product Specification
We recommend treatments being made from April through to October. Please be aware of the temperature during the earlier weeks; ensure the possibility of frosts have passed, and that the soil temperature is over 10oC.
• Storage of Nematodes
As the nematodes are supplied live, it is important that you use them as soon as possible, ideally when they arrive, but if not possible then unopened containers can be safely stored in a fridge (at or around 4oC) until you are able to use them. Do not allow the contents to freeze. You should not store opened packets or mixed solutions.
• Required Conditions
These nematodes are designed for areas that are showing signs of infestation. The nematode solution should be applied to the infected plants and you should attempt to target the actual caterpillars if possible. The solution should not be applied during hours of bright sunshine as the nematodes are UV sensitive. We recommend applying during the early morning or evening when the UV levels are lower, the temperature will have reduced, and the humidity level will be better suited.
• Usage Instructions
o Empty contents of packet (25 million/50 square metres) into a bucket containing 2.5 litres of water and mix. Continue mixing until the solution is free of lumps. You have now made your nematode concentrate.
o Add this 2.5 litres to a further 5.5 litres of water, and continue to stir until all lumps are removed.
o This 8 litres of solution is now ready to apply. Only target infected plants and, if possible, directly to the caterpillars themselves.
o Use the full 8 litres, do not store the solution.
• Next Steps
For heavy infestations, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment process after 5 days.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS ARE INCLUDED WITH YOUR ORDER.
FAQs
IS IT EASY TO APPLY YOUR NEMATODES?
The nematodes are supplied as a powder so once mixed with water it is ready to use but you must ensure there aren't any lumps in the solution. As you will be applying the Cutworm Killer Nematodes at ground level you can apply with either a watering can or a sprayer. If using a sprayer we recommend removing any filters from with the hose or spray gun to minimise the chance of blockages.
CAN I STORE THE NEMATODES?
It is important to know that the nematodes should be used as soon as possible. Unopened packets can be safely stored in a fridge, until you are able to use them, but please apply the treatments as soon as you are able.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY THE CATERPILLAR KILLER NEMATODES?
Treatment is most suitable from April through to October. If treating during early weeks of this period then be aware of the temperature as we recommend not applying if frosts are due or if the air or soil temperature is below 10oC. You should only apply this treatment if there are signs of an infestation.
HOW DO I APPLY THE NEMATODES?
As the Cutworm Killer nematodes are generally applied to low growing plants we recommend using either a sprayer or a watering can. A sprayer will allow you to monitor the coverage and to target your spraying but, for some, a watering can is easier to use.
WHICH PACK SIZE SHOULD I HAVE?
Obviously you should select the pack that corresponds with the size of area that you are looking to treat however we recommend allowing a little more square meterage than you may actually have to give a little leeway when applying. You may also want to consider the possibility of a second application as if you have a heavy infestation then a repeat treatment may be required five days after the first.