Small Garden Caterpillar Killer Nematodes

What Are Caterpillars & What Damage Can They Cause?

Caterpillars develop from the eggs of moths and butterflies, and certain species of caterpillar can cause significant damage to plants. Cabbage White Caterpillars, for example, cause extensive damage to plants such asBrassicas andNasturtiums. They make holesin the leaves and excreteon the plants, which develops intomold. Cabbage White Caterpillars will also feed on Cabbages and Cauliflowers. Other caterpillars, produced from moths such as the Silver Y Moth and Diamond Back Moth, can also cause significant plant and crop damage.

What Are Caterpillar Killer Nematodes & How Can They Help?

Small Garden Caterpillar Killer contains Steinernema species nematodes for the effective biological control of caterpillars. The nematodes enter the caterpillars via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the contents of the caterpillar. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the caterpillar, which kills it. Infected caterpillars die within a few days turning yellow to light brown and become slimy. The nematodes also reproduce inside the caterpillar, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area. 

Use Small Garden Caterpillar Killer To Combat Caterpillars Identified On Individual Plants

Our Small Garden Caterpillar Killer Nematodes are ideal for those looking to treat a small number of individual plants. 

Each pack contains one sachet of 10million Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes which can be easily applied to treat caterpillars infesting plants across smaller gardens.

We have two unit options available to purchase:

- 14 Square Metre Pack which includes 10 Million Nematodes

- 28 Square Metre Pack which includes x2 10 Million Nematodes

When Should I Apply The Nematodes?

Apply from May - September, as this is peak caterpillar season.

How Many Nematodes Do I Need?

The number of plants that can be treated will vary on the relative size of your plants and level of caterpillar infestation. These nematode packs are suitable for small - medium sized plants. If looking to treat larger plants, or larger areas of caterpillar infested plants see our standard sized Caterpillar Killer Nematodes. 

What Conditions Do The Nematodes Require?

Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Caterpillar Killer Nematodes. Nematodes are UV-sensitive and will not survive long when exposed to bright, sunny conditions. Apply the nematodes early in the morning or early in the evening in order to utilise the optimum humidity levels. 

How Do I Apply The Nematodes?

14sqm (1 Sachet):

 1. Open sachet & empty entire contents into a bucket of1L of lukewarm water. Stir thoroughly to break up and dissolve carrier material

2. (If Applying With A Nema Super Sprayer):

• Pour 500ml of the concentrate into the Nema Sprayer and follow sprayer instructions
• Spray solution ensuring good, thorough coverage of the caterpillars
• Use all contents of pack once opened. Made up solution cannot be stored

2. (If Applying With A Watering Can):

• Add 500ml of the concentrate to a watering can with up to 10L of water
• One pack of 10million nematodes will make2 watering cans
• Apply to plants using a coarse rose/nozzle
• Each watering can treats up to 7sqm
• Use all contents of pack once opened. Made up solution cannot be stored

28sqm (2 Sachets):

• Apply each of your two sachets following the above application instructions

Can I Store Nematodes?

You can store unopened nematode packs in a fridge but it is best to ensure you apply your nematodes as soon as possible for the best results.

Caterpillar Killer nematodes are harmless to humans, pets and wildlife, and safe to apply to edible plants.