Natural solution to garden pests: How nematodes save your crops

The presence of grubs and fungus gnats in the garden does not bode well. Although there are many methods of pest control, one is particularly effective.

Garden care requires much work and commitment, as well as a quick response to the appearance of pests such as grubs and fungus gnats. How can you get rid of them? Try a safe and completely natural method that is gaining popularity.

Fungus gnats are flies from the Mycetophilidae family. Adults resemble small, black flies. They live for only a week. During this time, the female can lay up to 100 eggs in the soil, from which small larvae hatch.

They pose the greatest threat because they feed on plant roots, seriously damaging them. In turn, grubs are larvae of May beetles. They live in the soil and, like fungus gnats, damage roots.

How to get rid of grubs and fungus gnats? The most popular way is to use professional chemical agents. You can buy them in any gardening store. Although they are effective, they have one major drawback — they can also damage the crops.

It turns out there's one way that eliminates the need for pesticides. It is completely safe and eco-friendly. Just get a package of beneficial nematodes. They are most often sold in powder or concentrate form. Depending on the size of the package, it costs from about £14 to £24. Although they are not the cheapest, they are very effective.

Before starting the treatment, water the soil to make it moist. Prepare the microorganism preparation according to the manufacturer's instructions. The entire package should be used immediately. It is recommended to do this on a warm evening when the soil is still warm and the sun’s rays are no longer strong.

After pouring the preparation, the nematodes will enter the bodies of fungus gnats and grubs through spiracles, or openings in their bodies. Within 1-3 days they will begin to produce symbiotic microorganisms that will kill them. This simple and safe way will rid you of pests.