Slug nematodes are microscopically small worms that are capable of effectively parasitizing and killing slugs.
Totally safe to use, will not harm pets, people or wildlife The nematodes are applied as a drench to the soil surface.
They actively search for their prey and invade it via the respiratory opening under the mantle.
An infected slug stops feeding within 3 to 5 days and then displays a typical swelling of the mantle.
The nematodes multiply inside the slug and when it starts to decompose, a new generation of nematodes spreads and starts looking for the next prey The nematodes can be used applied between May and September.
In order to protect young seedlings or cuttings against slugs, it is best to apply the nematodes 1 week in advance of planting.
Ensure the soil is moist before applying the nematodes and kept moist for two weeks.
The nematodes provide protection against slugs for approximately 6 weeks Slugs Slugs need a humid environment in order to survive, reproduce and move around.
90 % of the slug population can almost always be found in the soil.
Only 10 % of the population comes out at night to feed on plant material.
Most slugs are hermaphroditic, so both male and female.
They lay their eggs in groups of 15 to 50 in the soil or under plant waste.
Under favorable conditions these eggs hatch immediately.
Under unfavorable conditions they can survive for a long period until circumstances improve, in order to hatch only then.
Normally there are 2 generations of slugs per year.
However, in a wet summer there can be more generations.
Depending on the species, adult slugs are 30 to 150 mm long.
Slugs can devour the equivalent of half their body weight within 24 hours.