Scale Insect Control - Nematode Programme - (2 Deliveries of 2 Packs)

Scale Nematodes

After spraying, these microscopic nematodes enter the scale and release bacteria which kills the scale (it takes approx.12 hours for this to occur).

You will receive 2 deliveries, each containing 2 packs of Nematodes to treat Scale. Each pack of Nemasys Fruit and Veg Protection is enough to treat 10 sqm or 5 large plants.

Apply the first pack and then pop the 2nd pack of Nematodes in the fridge and then repeat application after 2 weeks. A further 2 packs will follow in 3 weeks, so you can repeat the 2 applications, at 2 weekly intervals i.e. you will apply 4 packs in total. For full instructions see below or refer to the instructions included with your packs.

Please note: Scale Nematodes are a perishable product (it will keep for approx 2-3 weeks in the fridge), so please order when you are ready to apply, when the pest is present.

What is Scale?

Scale insect is difficult to spot, so look out for the symptoms of an attack i.e. sticky lower leaves, sooty mould and yellowing of top leaves. Underglass, scale is very particular to all types of citrus. Outside, keep a close watch on camelias, rhododendrons, azaleas and box.

There are a number of different species of scale, although they are all similar in appearance -they are unlike any other pest as they don't look alive at all.

They are motionless and are stuck firmly to the stem and the underside of leaves (often around the veins) from which they suck the sap. They are dome shaped, about 0.6cm fully grown, light brown when young but gradually darken as they mature. They feed on the sap of the plant, leading to a yellowing of the leaves and in extreme cases total defoliation.

Scale insects produce large quantities of honey dew which drips onto the lower leaves. Initially clear and sticky, it is then colonized by sooty mould (pictured left), which is unsightly and reduces the ability of the plant to produce food, leading to further weakness and loss of vigor.

This mould and honeydew are the first signs of an attack. A female scale insect produces a mass of eggs i.e. between 500 and 2000! and then dies. The eggs are laid under the scale which protects them as they develop.

The eggs hatch to produce a crawler stage which settles on a suitable part of the plant, starts to feed and becomes immobile.

The length of the life cycle depends on temperature but at 20°c it normally takes 10 weeks from egg to adult.

How do I control Scale?

Controlling scale in your greenhouse or conservatory - spray your plants with scale nematodes at anytime as long as the temp is 14c.

Controlling scale outdoors - Permanent outdoors plants should be treated when the temperature is above 14C i.e. normally between April and September. Potted outdoor plants can be moved into a greenhouse or conservatory and treated at anytime.

Treating scale with nematodes:

After spraying, these microscopic nematodes enter the scale and release bacteria which kills the scale (it takes approx.12 hours for this to occur).

The leaves and stems must be kept moist overnight during this period with temperatures over 14C/58F.

Steps - treating your plants:

1. You will receive 2 deliveries each containing 2 PACKS of Scale Nematodes.

2. Spray the plant with water or half strength SB Invigorator natural spray and while the leaves are wet apply nematodes.

3. Add the contents of the 1st sachet to 1 litre of tepid water & stand for 1 minute.

4. Stir the mixture gently and pour into a sprayer.

5. Spray the affected plants concentrating on the stems and the underside of the leaves. Use all the product – keep the sprayer “agitated” i.e. move from side to side to keep the nematodes well mixed.

6. Keep the leaves and stems moist for 12 hours. For smaller plants place inside a large plastic bag or bin liner. For larger plants mist over with a little tepid water- Don’t wash off the nematodes!

7. The scale insect will be killed, but will remain attached to the plant.

8. Pop the 2nd pack of Scale Nematodes in the fridge and then repeat application after 2 weeks – repeat points 3 - 6.

9. A further 2 PACKS will follow in 3 weeks, so you can repeat the 2 applications at 2 weekly intervals i.e. you will apply 4 packs in total.

N.B This is a perishable product - use the 1st pack ASAP and pop the 2nd pack in the fridge and then use that in 2 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE: Once the scale insects have been killed by the nematodes, they will remain on the plant, which will often lead people to believe that the control is not working.

The first indication that the control is working is that honeydew will stop being produced, so if the mould is washed off - it will not come back (SB Invigorator is very good for this). The scale itself can be removed by hand.