Eco‑friendly solution to garden pests: Benefits of nematodes

Garden care requires a lot of work and commitment, as well as a swift response to the appearance of pests such as grubs and fungus gnats. How can you get rid of them? Try a safe and completely natural method that is gaining popularity.

Fungus gnats are flies from the Mycetophilidae family. Adults resemble small, black flies and live for only a week. During this time, a female can lay up to 100 eggs in the soil, from which small larvae hatch.

These larvae pose the greatest threat because they feed on plant roots, seriously damaging them. Grubs, the larvae of May beetles, live in the soil and damage roots just like fungus gnats.

How can you get rid of grubs and fungus gnats? The most popular method is to use professional chemical agents available at any gardening store. While effective, these chemicals have one major drawback—they can damage crops.

However, there is an eco-friendly alternative that eliminates the need for pesticides. Simply get a package of beneficial nematodes. They are typically sold in powder or concentrate form and cost about $17 to $29, depending on the package size. Though they might seem pricey, they are very effective.

Before starting the treatment, water the soil to moisten it. Prepare the nematode mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. The entire package should be used immediately. It's recommended to perform this treatment on a warm evening when the soil is still warm and the sun’s rays are no longer strong.

Once applied, the nematodes will enter the bodies of fungus gnats and grubs through spiracles or openings in their bodies. Within 1-3 days, they will produce symbiotic microorganisms to kill the pests. This simple and safe method will help you rid your garden of these nuisances.