What Are Wireworms? Wireworms are the larvae of Click Beetles (Agriotes spp), beetles which when disturbed will lie on their back feigning death before suddenly propelling themselves into the air with an audible click, hence the name! The Wireworm larvae are a damaging pest and will feed on plant roots, boring into the base of plants. This can cause plants to wilt and die with damage being commonly fatal to young plants. Adult Agriotis sp. are 6-10 mm long and yellowish brown to black. The larvae (‘wireworms’) are long, thin, cylindrical and though skinned. They are up to 25 mm long and usually shiny yellowish brown or light brown with a darker head. What Are Wireworm Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help? Naturally and safely control your Wireworm infestation with our Wireworm Killer Nematodes, which are deadly to Wireworm larvae but safe to humans, pets and wildlife. Dragonfli Wireworm Killer contain Steinernema species nematodes that enter the Wireworm 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? The eggs are laid in May or June in groups in the soil. They hatch about one month later and the larvae start to feed on roots. So we would recommend applying your nematodes in the summer from May onwards. Larval development takes 4 to 5 years. When fully grown the larvae pupate in the soil in summer. The adults appear about 4 weeks after pupation, but usually remain in the soil until the following spring. 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. What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require? Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Wireworm 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 water the area to be treated prior to application. 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 raised bed / vegetable patch 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. 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.
