Sep 18, 2011 – Nematodes Are Tough
QUESTION:
How do I control nematodes in a customer's lawn? Is there a chemical available for use?
ANSWER:
Nematodes are one of the toughest adversaries in turf, and because of this it is extremely important to verify that they actually are there and are the problem. A soil sample should be taken to a qualified soil analysis lab, perhaps at your local University, to positively identify the presence of nematodes. The best time to sample is during the warm months, as populations of these pests are much lower when the soil temperature is below 60 degrees. The damage from nematodes will look very much like the damage from a number of fungus problems on turf, so the correct diagnosis will help to determine the path to choose for management. These "worms" are microscopic and too small to be visible to the naked eye, so lab-verification is necessary.
According to a number of university resources on nematodes there are very, very few effective products for use after the turf is already established. Nemacur (fenamiphos) is one of the few remaining materials, and even this may be hard to come by since it is a fairly toxic organophosphate that may be phasing out of existence. This is particularly so for home lawns, as essentially ALL uses of organophosphates have been banned by the EPA for residential use.
It would be good to provide your customer with information on turf types that are resistant to nematodes and if nematodes are truly the problem in this lawn then complete removal and replacement with a resistant variety may be the best answer. Prior to a lawn being set in place the soil may be treated with some fumigant or other technique that would kill any nematodes in the soil, but these treatments could also kill turf, so PRE-planting is limited.
View past Ask Mr. Pest Control questions.
How do I control nematodes in a customer's lawn? Is there a chemical available for use?
ANSWER:
Nematodes are one of the toughest adversaries in turf, and because of this it is extremely important to verify that they actually are there and are the problem. A soil sample should be taken to a qualified soil analysis lab, perhaps at your local University, to positively identify the presence of nematodes. The best time to sample is during the warm months, as populations of these pests are much lower when the soil temperature is below 60 degrees. The damage from nematodes will look very much like the damage from a number of fungus problems on turf, so the correct diagnosis will help to determine the path to choose for management. These "worms" are microscopic and too small to be visible to the naked eye, so lab-verification is necessary.
According to a number of university resources on nematodes there are very, very few effective products for use after the turf is already established. Nemacur (fenamiphos) is one of the few remaining materials, and even this may be hard to come by since it is a fairly toxic organophosphate that may be phasing out of existence. This is particularly so for home lawns, as essentially ALL uses of organophosphates have been banned by the EPA for residential use.
It would be good to provide your customer with information on turf types that are resistant to nematodes and if nematodes are truly the problem in this lawn then complete removal and replacement with a resistant variety may be the best answer. Prior to a lawn being set in place the soil may be treated with some fumigant or other technique that would kill any nematodes in the soil, but these treatments could also kill turf, so PRE-planting is limited.
View past Ask Mr. Pest Control questions.
