Never heard of a nematode? Nematodes are more commonly known as round worms and exist in both harmful and beneficial varieties. The different species range in size from microscopic to as long as 5 centimetres. If you’re having lawn discolouration issues, nematodes could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Learn more about these unique lawn worms with Nutri-Lawn Ottawa .
Beneficial Nematodes
Not all nematodes are pests. Beneficial nematodes can help free your lawn of a grub infestation. They are one of the most economical forms of grub control. They will feed on white grubs, sod webworms, and leather jackets. Nematode treatments are 100% organic and safe for your children and your pets. They are also safe for earthworms and other good insects in your lawn.
Treating your Lawn with Beneficial Nematodes
For the best results from beneficial nematodes, we recommend scheduling a core aeration in advance. This will allow the nematodes to enter deeper into the soil. You will also want to try to bring the grubs closer to the surface by watering your lawn the day before the nematodes are to be applied. After the nematodes are applied, continue watering you lawn lightly for the following 10 days. This helps the nematodes survive. Too busy to water your garden by hand? Ask Nutri-Lawn about affordable inground sprinkler system alternatives .
Timing is important for providing the ideal environmental conditions for the nematodes. Full sunlight can kill them. They prefer low light and high humidity. Timing is important for catching the grubs, sod webworms, and leather jackets at their most vulnerable as well. Most nematodes are applied in late August, early September. Our lawn care specialists will assist you in scheduling the best time for the nematodes to be applied.
Watch out for Harmful Nematodes
Harmful nematodes are plant parasites. They use a needle-like stylus to puncture the roots of your grass and suck out the plant cells. There is no variety of turf grass that is resistant to harmful nematodes. Signs that your lawn may need harmful nematode removal include yellow grass, wilting, thinning, bald patches, and poor response to fertilization. Harmful nematodes are invisible to the naked eye. A nematode infestation needs to be professionally diagnosed through a soil sample.
If you prefer a natural alternative, Nutri-Lawn Ottawa recommends Nematophagous fungus. These fungi are carnivorous, just like beneficial nematodes. When applied to your lawn, these feisty bugs will trap harmful nematodes using toxins or glue rings and then digest them. Nutri-Lawn experts can tell you what the best strategy is to deal with an infestation of harmful nematodes in your lawn. Contact a representative for a personalized quote today!
If your yard needs harmful nematode removal or treatments to add beneficial nematodes, let Nutri-Lawn help. Contact Nutri-Lawn by calling them toll-free at 613-739-3399.
