Are you suddenly seeing small sandy mounds appearing in your lawn? Or do your plants seem less stable because ants are digging their tunnels underground? Ants are useful creatures, but when they all show up at once, they can cause considerable nuisance.
Luckily, you can tackle them in a way that fits your gardening principles: natural and targeted. Nematodes penetrate deep into the soil and attack the nest at its core, without disturbing your garden.
What is in the packet?
Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae): microscopically small, but mighty in action.
Biodegradable carrier material: safe and eco-friendly transport medium for the nematodes.
When to use nematodes against ants?
You can apply them from April through October, as long as the soil temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius. The warmer and moister the soil, the more active the nematodes.
How to put nematodes to work:
Make a concentrate: Mix the entire contents of the packet with 1 litre of lukewarm water and stir well.
Dilute before use: Pour part of the concentrate into a watering can and top up to 10 litres of water.
Apply generously: Pour the mixture generously in and around the ant nest in the soil.
Aftercare is key: Keep the treated area lightly moist for at least two weeks so the nematodes remain active.
Tips for success:
Carry out the treatment during cloudy weather or in the evening. Bright sunlight breaks down the nematodes.
Mix the concentrate with clean, lukewarm water. No fertilisers or other additives.
Not suitable for hard surfaces. Only treat places where the nematodes can penetrate the soil.
Store cool (4-8 degrees Celsius) and use within a week. Dissolved in water? Apply immediately.
After the treatment
Still seeing activity around the nest after a week or two? Then a second treatment is a good idea. Want to restore bare patches in the grass after application? Use Quick Fix lawn repair seed from Joyfields!
