Flea and Flea Beetle Nematodes - 50 Sq.M (25 Sq.M x 2)

Flea and Flea Beetle nematodes are a natural biological control designed for use in the soil to help target flea and flea beetle pests around susceptible plants and lawns.

At a glance

• Targets flea and flea beetle pests
• Natural biological control
• Treats 50m² in total
• Supplied as 2 x 25m² treatments
• Repeat second treatment after 5 to 7 days
• Minimum soil temperature 12°C
• Safe for children, pets and wildlife

What are Flea and Flea Beetle nematodes?

Flea and flea beetle nematodes are a natural way to help control flea and flea beetle pests in the garden. They are applied to moist soil, where the nematodes actively move through the soil and target the pest.

They are suitable for gardeners looking for a safe and natural treatment that can be used around plants, while remaining child, pet and wildlife friendly.

How do I identify Flea Beetles?

Flea beetles are very small, jumping beetles that can quickly spring away when disturbed, which is how they get their name. They are often dark in colour, although some species may appear striped or metallic.

The damage is usually easier to notice than the insects themselves. Common signs include lots of tiny holes scattered across leaves, often described as a “shot-hole” effect. Young plants and seedlings are especially vulnerable, and heavy feeding can weaken growth or lead to poor establishment.

If you notice this type of feeding damage on susceptible crops or ornamental plants, flea beetles may be the cause.

When are Flea Beetle most likely to be a problem?

Flea beetle activity is most noticeable when plants are actively growing and tender young foliage is available. Seedlings and newly established plants are often at greatest risk, as feeding damage can quickly affect growth.

Where pest pressure is known to be present, it is a good idea to treat promptly and follow up with the second application 5 to 7 days later for best results.

Storage guidance

Nematodes should be stored as soon as possible after delivery. Keep them in a refrigerator, or below 5°C, until the expiry date shown on the pack. Do not freeze them and do not leave them exposed to warm conditions. Once mixed with water, the stock solution should be used within 4 hours.

Application guidance

Apply when the soil temperature is at least 12°C. The soil should already be moist before treatment and should be kept moist for 3 to 4 weeks afterwards so the nematodes can remain active.

For best results, apply in the evening, during overcast weather or during rainfall. Water immediately after application.

If applying over plants, wash the nematodes off the leaves and back onto the soil within 30 minutes.

You can apply using a watering can fitted with a coarse 1.4mm rose, or with a suitable sprayer. If using a sprayer, remove any filters finer than 1.4mm mesh, use nozzles of at least 0.5mm, and do not exceed 5 bar pressure. You can also apply using a nematode hose end applicator.

How to use

1. Make a stock solution by emptying one sachet into 2 litres of water and stir continuously.
2. Take 1 litre of the stock solution and pour it into a separate bucket, then mix with 3 litres of water, stirring continuously.
3. Move the 4 litre solution into a watering can. One watering can will treat 12.5m².
4. Repeat this process until all stock solution has been used, then water the treated area with a watering can or hose pipe.

One sachet provides one treatment of 25 Sq.M, and the second treatment should be repeated after 5 to 7 days to the same 25 Sq.M area - treating a total of 50 Sq.M.

Tips for best results

• Always apply to moist soil and do not allow the area to dry out afterwards.
• Apply during cooler parts of the day, such as the evening, or when conditions are overcast.
• Water after application to help move the nematodes into the soil where they are needed.
• Where applying over foliage, wash the nematodes back down onto the soil within 30 minutes.
• Use both treatments as directed for the best possible coverage.