Control Welsh chafers with nematodes
Control Welsh chafers in the lawn biologically
Welsh chafers (family Scarabaeidae) belong to the scarab beetles and can cause considerable damage to lawns. While the adult beetles themselves are hardly a problem, their larvae – the so-called grubs – feed on the grass roots. This disrupts the lawn's uptake of water and nutrients. The result is yellow, dried-out patches and large-scale lawn damage.
With HB nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) the infestation can be controlled biologically and specifically. These microscopic beneficial organisms parasitise the grubs and reduce their population sustainably – entirely without chemical pesticides.
Drive away Welsh chafers naturally: nema-green®
nema-green® with HB nematodes for the biological control of Welsh chafer grubs in the lawn.
How do you recognise a Welsh chafer infestation?
An infestation often goes unnoticed at first, as the damage occurs below the turf. Typical signs are:
- yellow or brown patches in the lawn
- loose turf that can easily be lifted up
- wilting grass despite sufficient watering
- numerous birds, hedgehogs or badgers searching the lawn for grubs
- white, C-shaped grubs in the soil
The adult Welsh chafers are about 8–9 mm long, brown in colour and fly mainly in early June. The actual damage, however, is caused by the larvae in the soil.
Damage caused by Welsh chafer grubs
Typical consequences are:
- weakened lawn
- bare or dried-out patches
- reduced water uptake
- increased susceptibility to drought
- secondary damage from wild boar, birds or badgers digging up the soil in search of grubs
Controlling Welsh chafers with HB nematodes
nema-green® contains the nematode species Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, which specifically attacks the grubs of various scarab beetles – including the larvae of the Welsh chafer.
After application, the nematodes move actively through the moist soil and seek out the grubs. They enter the larvae and release a naturally occurring bacterium that causes the pest to die within a few days. The nematodes then multiply inside the host and go on to seek out further grubs.
The treatment is:
The treatment is:
- biological and chemical-free
- targeted at the larvae
- harmless to people, pets and plants
- ideal for home gardens and lawns
When should Welsh chafers be controlled?
The best time for treatment depends on the development stage of the grubs. Young larvae can be controlled much more successfully than older ones.
Safe and effective
Nematodes are the natural solution against fungus gnats. The tiny roundworms control the larvae completely biologically and effectively. No chemicals, no side effects.
Service and advice
We have been producing and selling nematodes for biological plant protection for more than 25 years. Do you have questions? We have the answers!
Controlled quality
Every production batch is carefully checked and tested for quality. We only sell what really works.
