They are often supplied in a pack of moist clay; this is mixed with water and applied to the soil with a watering can. These pellets are highly effective at controlling Slugs whilst simultaneously not putting the environment or other wildlife at risk. Put down a flat slate on the soil near your plants and check underneath it every day to remove the slugs and snails which have congregated in the dark and damp. The nematode used in Nemaslug is a mollusc killer however, nematodes live under the soil and snails tend to stay on the surface, so they don’t come into contact very often.

Slug Killer , which contains natural nematodes (Phasmarhabditis Californica) , that are effective at controlling slugs, but unlike chemical controls, are safe for children, pets, birds and wildlife. Then the nematodes become free and active and are applied to the soil surface using a watering can, conventional hydraulic spraying and irrigation systems. Nemaslug, is a natural organic pest control - environmentally friendly and safe for children, pets and wildlife. Hostas, delphiniums, dahlias, gerberas, sweet peas and tulips are regularly attacked by slugs, and it can be difficult to grow these plants if you have a big slug problem.Grewal, S (editor) et al, ( 2005), “ Nematodes as biocontrol agents” CABI Publishing, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK.

Like life and nature, of course it is more complicated than simply pouring nematode worms onto the soil to kill slugs. The Common Keeled slug ( Tandonia budapestensis), up to 6cm long, is black or grey with a yellow-orange ridge along its body, a pale underside and colourless mucus. The nematodes and bacteria mixture in effect stops the slug and therefore the nematodes, being preyed upon. As it moves, it secretes mucus which helps it glide across a surface by rhythmic waves of contraction.As the nematodes invade the slug, it will stop feeding, so your plants are safe and will burrow underground to die. This toxin is particularly effective against the grey field slug, whilst results with other slug species, larger slugs, adults of certain slug species and snail species are more variable. You're likely to be no stranger to the reward of fresh, home-grown produce, but imagine having your tart and tasty rhubarb ready a full month ahead of the usual season.

I didn’t get round to it at the beginning of this year and I’ve been plagued with them even with such dry weather. Garden or kitchen waste can be broken down over time in a compost bin or heap to produce crumbly organic matter that can be used as a mulch, soil conditioner and a constituent of potting compost.

The grey field slug (as above) certainly is killed, but for example the leopard slug (Limax maximus) is not. Many larger slugs primarily feed on decomposing organic matter such as dead leaves dung and even dead slugs. The nematodes come complete with instructions and can be applied using a watering can or nematode applicator.