What Are Flea Beetles? There are several species of Flea Beetle found in the U.K. with the most destructive pest species belonging to the Phyllotreta spp. family. The adult beetles will feed on plant leaves but it is the larvae of the beetles which cause the most critical damage as they feed on plant roots. Young plants are particularly vulnerable to attack from Flea Beetle larvae and uncontrolled infestations can be fatal. Adult Flea beetles are 2-3mm (about 1/10in) long, coloured black, metallic green or blue. Some may have a yellow stripe running the length of each wing case. They will leap off plant leaves when disturbed. The larvae are white with a brown head and roughly 2.5mm long. What Are Flea Beetle Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help? Naturally and safely control your Flea Beetle infestation with our Flea Beetle Killer Nematodes, which are deadly to Flea Beetle larvae but safe to humans, pets and wildlife. Dragonfli Flea Beetle Killer contain Steinernema species nematodes that enter the Flea Beetle larvae via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the pest from inside it. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the larvae, which kills it. Infected larvae will be completely broken down by the nematodes. The nematodes also reproduce inside the larvae, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area. When Should I Apply The Nematodes? Flea Beetles emerge from overwintering sites in April and May. Eggs will be lain in areas suited to larval and beetle feeding with larvae emerging 2-3 weeks after eggs are produced. It is therefore recommended that you apply your Flea Beetle Killer Nematodes from May onwards and whenever Flea Beetle larvae are identified in your soils. How Many Nematodes Do I Need? The 25million pack will treat an area of up to 50m2. The 50million pack will treat an area of up to 100m2. The 250million pack will treat an area of up to 500m2. The 500million pack will treat an area of up to 1000m2. If your lawn has suffered severely from Flea Beetle damage, and the number of Flea Beetle larvae within the soil is high, multiple applications of nematodes will be required to gain overall control. Consider applying Flea Beetle Killer Nematodes every 2 weeks in the summer period. What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require? Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Flea Beetle Killer Nematodes. Nematodes are UV-sensitive and will not survive long when exposed to bright, sunny conditions. Apply the nematodes early in the morning or early in the evening in order to utilise the optimum humidity levels. Avoid application in frosty conditions. Soil temperatures should be above 13℃ for the nematodes to be active. How Do I Apply The Nematodes? To increase the effectiveness of your nematode treatment we always advise you pre water area to be treated with nematodes prior to application. The soil needs to be kept moist for nematodes to penetrate the soil and reach the Flea Beetle larvae. See also our Nemaflo carrier which will help aid the movement of the nematodes in the soil. 1. First open and empty the contents of your 25 million sachet of nematodes into a bucket or container of 2.5 litres of water and mix thoroughly. 2. Next, fill your watering can (fit with a coarse rose), or sprayer (hand held sprayers should suffice, with filters removed, or use our specific nematode applicator, the Nema Super Sprayer for optimum nematode application) with the mixed 2.5 litres of nematode concentrate and add another 5.5 litres of water so you are left with 8 litres of nematode solution. 3. Finally, spray your lawn with the nematode solution. Continue to keep the soil moist for up to 2 weeks after application. Repeat applications may be required for severe infestations. Full instructions are provided on delivery. Can I Store Nematodes? You can store unopened nematode packs in a fridge but it is best to ensure you apply your nematodes as soon as possible for the best results. Flea Beetle Killer Nematodes are harmless to humans, and safe to apply to edible plants. Improve Soil Quality With Our Soil Boost Biostimulant Consider the addition of Soil Boost which will also boost and help the development of beneficial microbial life in soils, improving root and plant health.
