Does anyone know which is better to use: milky spore or beneficial nematodes in sandy soil?
I'm having a terrible time with moles, they have learned to tunnel around all the traps I have set almost all my plants are being undermined, and am in the process of digging up the ones that seem to be suffering the most, mostly daylilies. I am not enthusastic about using insecticide. I like earthworms!
Grub worms! HELP!
I don't know on either one of those but my DH bought some stuff called mole stop from home depot it is Castor oil and soybean oil and he has been spraying the yard with is as moles do not like the smell of Castor oil.
and he also made up a tube to fit to the riding mower exhaust that goes down into the hole...I'll leave it at that I think you can figure out what it does ....matter of fact it was a "topic" over on another forum that talked of serious mole issues.
and taking the garden hose and running it into the holes and turning the water on so ti runs down and in it will bring them out and you can play whack a mole.
How long have you been using the Mole Stop, and what kind of results have you had? How much area are you treating?
As far as Whack a Mole, the water hasn't helped to bring them to the surface, I have played whack a shrew, though! The shotgun works well on them, too! Occasionally, I have seen the ground "move", and been able to dig them out. My shovel is deadly!
I will still need to get rid of the grubs.
By the way, I am a retired bus driver. After 27 years of abuse, I gave it up!
Annette
oh he has bought it twice and used it all over the front part of the lot so roughly 3 quarters of an acre. It hasn't gotten rid of all of them yet but it is helping we see less diggin holes from them and yes you still have to get rid of the grubs but this stuff seems to help some and I think with more application's the more it will help.
lol I drove for 12 years in Illinois and was a certified instructor for the state for the initial and refresher classes and now drive for Tyler ISD. I am lucky down here I have a monitor on my bus so very few if nay problems this last year.
Phyllis
Annette, I don't know for sure, but I've heard that milky spore doesn't work on the June bugs we have in Texas. Works best on their cousins the Japanese beetles in the East.
We use beneficial nematodes every year. They work on grubs, fire ants, ticks, fleas, and termites. We still have a few of all of those things, but not enough to cause any damage we can't live with.
However, I think it's too hot right now to apply the nematodes. Can you do it in the fall? Maybe mid-September?
Yes, I can wait, since I am digging up everything that shows decline. How often do you apply the nematodes, and what source do you use?
Well, the answer to both questions depends on where I buy them. For some reason, some brands seem to work better than others--maybe more concentrated? If I have the better brand, once a year (mid-May to early June) seems to be enough. Some brands, though, recommend both a spring and fall application, and actually give you two separate packages. You apply one and keep the other refrigerated until it's time.
The method of application also depends on the brand. I've done both hose-end and water can. Needless to say, the hose-end application is a whole lot easier! But not everyone recommends that. Bottom line is, it's best to follow the directions that come with them.
well you have peaked my interest here for sure as I am so tired of the dang ants biting and then I get lil blisters and itch to where I can't sleep and DH finally admitted today that we do have alot of grubs ....Please feel free to dmail me with names of the ones that seem to work best
Well, I don't know how helpful that would be, since I buy mine at local nurseries. The VERY best ones are at Rohde's in Garland. They are pricey--I think $45--and for you guys who don't live here, the cost of the trip would be prohibitive. They have a mail-order business under the Greensense name, but I don't think they mail-order nematodes.
I've also gotten them from Calloway's/Cornelius, which is a twice-yearly package, but didn't see them there this year. And I've gotten them locally at Redenta's, but don't remember the brand name.
I've heard some people on the Organic forum say that the nematodes from Gardens Alive work for them. Can't vouch for them personally, but if you can't find a local source.... http://www.gardensalive.com/search.asp?ss=nematodes&x=0&y=0 .