Prepare your turf for application: Before applying nematodes, ensure that your lawn is moist. Lightly water the area a day or two before the planned application to provide a suitable environment for the nematodes to move through the soil and reach the target larvae effectively. In spring, when the ground temperatures rise, they will reappear and start consuming the grass roots and some top growth. Be patient and monitor progress: Reseeding and overseeding take time, and results may not be immediate. Exercise patience and closely monitor the progress of the newly seeded areas. Keep an eye out for signs of germination, such as the appearance of tiny grass blades. Adjust your watering and maintenance practices as needed to promote healthy growth.

The best form of protection is prevention. EU legislation has restricted the use of pesticides but you can employ organic solutions which don’t require a pesticide certificate. These are called ‘nematodes’, which are microscopic worms. They enter the grubs and infect them with a bacterial disease which kills them. Nematodes are available from various horticultural suppliers, but be warned; timing, soil moisture and the age of the larvae are all critical if the treatment is to be successful. Consider environmental impact: Minimize the environmental impact of insecticide use by following best practices. Avoid applying insecticides near water sources, such as ponds or streams, as they can pose a risk to aquatic life. Additionally, be mindful of neighbouring plants, including flowers and ornamentals, to prevent unintended damage.Apply insecticide evenly: Even distribution is crucial to ensure thorough coverage and maximize effectiveness. Calibrate your sprayer or spreader according to the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the recommended application rate. Walk at a steady pace, maintaining a consistent speed to achieve a uniform application. For the organic grower, this is a biological - not chemical - pest control. Unlike a chemical spray, which may drift off target, nematodes are specific to the host pest, so that other wildlife is not affected.

Birds feeding on the lawn can also be an indicator of their presence. Once identified, you can take action to prevent further damage. Adhering strictly to the application timings will ensure that any remaining colour in the bowl will be due to inert carrier only and that you have performed an even application. Furthermore, we will dive into treatment options, offering step-by-step instructions on using nematodes and insecticides to restore your lawn to its former glory. Control: Nematodes Steinernema feltiae (spring application)and S. carpocapsae (summer application).

Green lacewing larva, Chrysoperla carnea. The adult has a slender pale green body, about 10mm long, with long thread-like antennae and transparent wings with many veins. The adults feed on pollen, nectar and honeydew, the larvae are voracious predators of aphids, other small insects and mites. The females lay white eggs that are raised off the leaf surface on 5-7mm long silk threads. Thislacewing overwinters as adults in sheltered places. Control:A mixture of nematode species, sold as Fruit and Vegetable Protection, is available, may give some control of other insects. Garlic Spray: A bitter-tasting spray on the grass will discourage the grubs from eating the grass an they will wriggle away. Hopefully to be caught by birds or swept up off your patio. I have a professional organic garlic spray which I can apply to customers lawns, or you could try to make some yourself by soaking crushed cloves in boiling water overnight.

Make sure the lawn does not dry out after applying nematodes and keep it well watered for at least two weeks. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! The nematodes come complete with instructions and can be applied using a watering can with a rose with large holes or nematode applicator. You just apply to moist soil when the soil temperature is above 10ºC (50ºF) and ensure the soil does not dry out for at least two weeks after applying the nematodes. Nematodes are capable of surviving the odd frost, so don't worry if the temperature falls after you have applied them. Additionally, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the delicate balance of your ecosystem. Promoting Healthy Soil And Lawn MaintenanceParasitoid wasps, Leptomastix species, Leptomastideaspeciesand Anagrusspecies. These are often available in combinations and with Cryptolaemusfor mealybug control.These parasiotoids are good at searching for mealybugs and can find them when populations are small. You can buy them online. We recommend the range from the Organic Gardening Catalogue. Instructions on use Getting them out of the lawn and a target for birds and other predators is a good thing though. I have added this to my treatment recommendations. Method 5 – Encourage insect-eating birds. Ants. Nematode Steinernema will ambush the ants when passing. As the bacteria poisons them, it will weaken the colony, eventually killing off the queen who has too few workers to feed her. It is best used between April to September by drenching the nests.

Predatory gall midge, Feltiella acarisuga. The 2mm long pale yellow maggots of this midge can find small hidden populations of red spider mite and when available can be used early and late in the season. The garlic spray method does seem to have a good effect at encouraging the grubs to leave the lawn. However, if there is a huge population or the grubs have nowhere to go, this method may only move them around! Timing is crucial: Timing plays a vital role in reseeding and overseeding. It’s best to undertake these tasks during the optimal growing seasons for your specific grass type. Generally, early autumn or spring are favourable times, as the soil is still warm, and there’s ample moisture for seed germination.Remember, insecticides should be used as a last resort when other methods have proven insufficient. Restoring The Lawn To calculate your area measure the width and length of the area to be treated and multiply them by each other e.g. 5m x 20m = 100 sq.m Please note: these are a live product and have an expiry date usually about 2 weeks - this product is non returnable. The presence of biological controls should not interfere with normal gardening activities such as ventilating glasshouses and watering, although it is necessary to avoid the use ofpesticides