Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer

Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer

Please Note: When ordering 5000m² you will receive 10 x 500m² packs.

Nematodes are live organisms and need to be kept refrigerated until they are used. We take great care to ensure that they are handled in a manner which ensures they arrive in the appropriate condition.

Orders are shipped twice weekly. Please refer to our schedule below:

• Order by Monday (12:00 pm): Delivery on Thursday.
• Order by Thursday (12:00 pm): Delivery on the following Tuesday.

Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer is a chafer grub treatment containing native microscopic worms, nematodes, which controls infestations of crane fly larvae safely and effectively. A pro-active preventative approach to controlling chafer grubs in turf is required.

The best time to apply Sportnem-H is during the late summer/autumn, from the middle of July to the middle of October when temperatures are >12°C and are warm enough for the nematodes to be active and garden chafer grubs are small enough to be easily controlled. Direct damage from the grubs and indirect damage from predators hunting for them in the following spring and summer is avoided.

Cockchafers can also be treated using Sportnem-H. The larvae are only susceptible to treatment from mid-June until the end of August. 

The graphic below is designed to inform the user as to the life stage of the organism throughout the year.

In the spring months the larvae start actively feeding but will have grown to a stage where effective control of any type is significantly reduced. 

The nematodes work in the soil by seeking out the chafer beetle larvae and attack the pest by entering natural body openings. Once inside, they release bacteria (Photorhabdus spp.) that stop the pest from feeding, quickly killing the grub.

The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead grub and release a new generation of infective juvenile nematodes. These infective juveniles then disperse into the soil and search for further prey. If sustained this life cycle can lead to significantly reduced chafer grub populations in subsequent years.

Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer must be used within 3-4 weeks of being received, keep refrigerated until used.

Preparing to Apply Nematodes
		Order Order nematodes to arrive 1-2 weeks prior to forecast application period* to facilitate application in optimum circumstances. *Aim to apply nematodes 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time.
		Store Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2-6°C.
		Monitor Aim to apply nematodes 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time. Aim to apply in the morning, in the evening or on a cloudy day. Aim to apply when rain is forecast.
		Irrigate Apply 5-10 litres per m² of water the evening before treatment. Apply a further 5 litres per m² of water 1-2 hours before treatment.
		Aerate Use a sarel roller or other aeration tools to aerate the soil, facilitating faster movement of the nematodes through the soil profile.* * It is important that the nematodes come into contact with the soil as quickly as possible; excessive thatch will inhibit this process.
Applying Nematodes
		Equipment Remove all filters from the application equipment. Checking: Lance handle, Top hat filters at the nozzle, Filter bowls within pipes after the pump. Use a suitable nozzle i.e. flat fan nozzle with coarse droplet size. Ensure sprayer is completely clean then fill with half the required amount of clean water. Alternatively, nematodes can be applied using a watering can with a rose fitted.
		Nematodes Place the contents of the pack into a clean bucket containing 5 litres of water. Stir well and allow to soak for 20-30 seconds. Stir again and pour the entire solution into the spray tank through its sieve. Top up until the required amount of solution is in the tank.
		Application Spray or water nematode solution immediately onto the prepared surface using a maximum of 12 bar pressure. For best effect, apply with a penetrant wetting agent to improve passage into the soil.
		Post Application Irrigate immediately after application using at least 2-5 litres per m² to wash the nematodes into the soil. Ensure the area is kept moist for at least 2 weeks post application.

We do not sell this product during the period when the larvae are not susceptible to control using nematodes.

To aid the efficiency of the nematodes into the soil profile, apply with Nemaflo.

FAQs