Your DoveBug slug control pack contains microscopic parasitic nematodes (Phasmarhabditis sp.) These parasites are found naturally in the soil and give curative control of most ages and species of slug. One pack is sufficient to treat 40 sq metres of soil or compost.
Generally speaking, it is best to avoid chemicals when using biological control as some chemicals can remain active for up to three months after application and can cause your control to fail completely. Slug pellets, however, following their packet instructions, can be used with Nemaslug(R). To prevent harming beneficial water snails treatment of soil close to ponds should be avoided. Nemaslug(R) is, however, harmless to other wildlife, pets and children.
Nemaslug(R) should be used within two days of delivery. If this is the intention it can be stored in a cool, dark place prior to application. The soil or compost to be treated should be moist; if necessary the area should be watered prior to application. To ensure maximum activity apply Nemaslug(R) in the evening simply using a watering can. Do not apply to frozen soil - Nemaslug(R) works best in soil temperatures of 5 - 20°C. If the temperature falls after application control may be a little slower, however the nematodes are capable of surviving the odd frost. Avoid application to heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
Each pack of Nemaslug(R) contains a minimum of 12 million nematodes suspended in clay and you must use the whole pack at one time to ensure that you are applying the correct concentration of nematodes. Fill a clean bucket with 8 litres (2 gall) of cold tap water (maximum temp 20°C, 68°F). Open the pack and wash all the contents into the bucket; stir until all the clay lumps are dispersed. This is the "concentrate solution". Take 1 litre (2 pints) of the "concentrate solution" from the bucket and place it in a clean watering can fitted with a coarse rose and top up the watering can to the 4 litre (1 gallon) mark using clean water. Apply to 5 sq metres (6 sq .yds.) of moist soil or compost. Use all the "concentrate solution" as above within 30 minutes of mixing, stirring occasionally to prevent it settling.
Within one week of treatment, slugs will have stopped feeding, however Nemaslug(R) should remain effective for six weeks after application. Most slugs will die within two weeks of treatment, underground, so you may not see dead slugs on the soil surface. To be sure of continuous control the nematodes should be re-applied every six weeks.
Further supplies can be obtained from your local garden centre. If you need any technical help or advice on DoveBugs, you can contact us direct at: