Voracious slugs can decimate tender plants – eating twice their own body weight each day with their 25,000 teeth! Slugs are generally active when your plants start to grow, when the soil temperature is over 5ºC. They leave a tell tale slime trail behind them as they move along. Young slugs tend to stay underground, feeding on humus (decaying organic matter).
This creates an unseen menace, developing out of sight and just waiting for your young seedlings to be planted. Slugs breed all year round. There are two overlapping generations usually with peaks of egg laying in March-April and September-October.
The soil temperature should be 5ºC (40ºF) or over (this is also when plants start to grow). Nematodes are capable of surviving the odd frost; so don't worry if the temperature falls after you have applied Nemaslug. Metaldehyde based slug pellets are reported not to be effective below 7ºC.
Use the whole pack before the expiry date, which is marked on the inside of the pack and will be at least a couple of weeks. Apply in a broad band around your plants to increase the chances of slugs coming into contact with the nematodes.
Potatoes are susceptible to slug attack later in the season than most other plants. So you can delay applying Nemaslug till 6-7 weeks before harvest, when the tubers are most likely to be eaten by slugs.
A regular regime of using Nemaslug every six weeks is the best way to keep slugs at bay throughout the growing season.
Question: What is Nemaslug?
Nemaslug is a unique product, containing microscopic worms (nematodes) which seek out slugs and stop them feeding on your plants within 3 days and then kill them.
Question: Why use Nemaslug?
Nemaslug is an effective alternative to chemicals. It is safe to use and harmless to children, pets, birds and wildlife.
Question: How do I apply Nemaslug?
Nemaslug is applied very simply using a watering can with a coarse rose or hose-end feeder. (See our video guides or the pack for instructions)
Question: When can I apply Nemaslug?
Nemaslug can be applied any time when slugs are present as long as the soil temperature is 5oC (40oF).
Question: What will Nemaslug control?
Nemaslug will control all common species of small to medium sized slugs up to 8 cm (approx. 3 inches).
Question: How long does Nemaslug work?
One application of Nemaslug will provide around six weeks control of slugs.
Question: Are there any special precautions?
Only in regards to applying near ponds as Nemaslug might affect water snails. To avoid harming water snails keep the treatment 15cm (6 inches) away from ponds.
Question: Can Nemaslug be used on clay soils?
Nemaslug can be used on clay soils that have been well worked with other organic materials. Do not use if the area you wish to treat is waterlogged or very heavy wet clay.
Question: Are any special conditions required?
Nemaslug should be applied to moist soil. If applying in hot weather it is better to wait till later in the day when the soil won’t dry out so quickly and the nematodes will have a chance to migrate under the ground during the night.
Question: What happens if the temperature falls after I have used Nemaslug?
The control may be a little slower. However, the nematodes are capable of surviving even the odd frost.
Question: Will Nemaslug be washed out of the soil during prolonged wet weather?
Unlike some other slug control methods, Nemaslug continues to work well during wet weather – exactly when you need protection against slugs!
Question: Is there any benefit from applying Nemaslug in the autumn?
If you apply Nemaslug in the early autumn you will reduce the number of slugs laying eggs and consequently reduce the new population emerging in the spring.
Question: When is the best time to apply Nemaslug to protect my potatoes against slugs?
The best results are obtained by applying Nemaslug 6 to 7 weeks before harvest. This is when the tubers are most vulnerable to slug attack.
Question: Can I water Nemaslug directly on to plants?
Nematodes live in the soil so, if you can, it is better to apply to the soil. However, if because of dense foliage this is impossible, after application wash them off into the soil with some extra water.
Question: Can I eat produce that has been treated with Nemaslug?
Yes, just wash your fruit and vegetables in the normal way.
Question: Can Nemaslug kill snails?
The nematode used in Nemaslug is a mollusc killer however, nematodes live under the soil and snails tend to stay on the surface, so they don’t come into contact very often. It does have a slight effect on small snails as they remain under the soil for longer.
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