Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer
Sportnem H Chafer Grub Killer is a chafer grub treatment containing Heterorhabditis bacteriophora; a species of native entomopathogenic nematode (microscopic worms), which controls infestations of chafer grub larvae safely and effectively.
More information can be found in our Pitchcare article Integrated turf management - pest control using nematodes or How beneficial nematodes protect sports pitches.
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.
SKU: 152685
Brand: Koppert
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Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer
Sportnem H Chafer Grub Killer is a chafer grub treatment containing Heterorhabditis bacteriophora; a species of native entomopathogenic nematode (microscopic worms), which controls infestations of chafer grub larvae safely and effectively. A pro-active preventative approach to controlling chafer grubs in turf is required.
There is one application window in the pests life cycle suitable for applying a garden chafer grub treatment.
The application window is during the late summer/autumn, from the middle of July to the middle of October.
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.
The mid-July to mid-October application window coincides with the larvae being at a young and susceptible life stage and the soil being a suitable temperature to support a good level of nematode activity.
Once soil temperatures rise again in the following spring the larvae will have grown to a stage where effective control of any type is significantly reduced. This means that a pro-active preventative approach to controlling chafer larvae in turf areas is required.
By treating with Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer within the mid-July to mid-October application window, direct damage from the grubs and indirect damage from predators hunting for them in the following spring and summer is avoided. 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 stops 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.
| Area Treated | Pack Size |
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| 1,000m2 | 1 x 250 million |
| 10,000m2 | 10 x 250 million |
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Preparing to Apply Nematodes
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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.
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Store
Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2-6°C.
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Monitor
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Irrigate
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Aerate
Use a sarel roller 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.
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Applying Nematodes
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Equipment
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Nematodes
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Application
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Post Application
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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 Aquazorb 45 Wetting Agent.
FAQs
For further information on Sportnem-H Chafer Grub Killer, please speak to a member of our technical sales team on 01902 440250.
FAQs
When is the best time to apply Sportnem-H for chafer grubs?
There is one critical application window in the pest's life cycle suitable for treatment: during the late summer/autumn, from the mid-July to mid-October.
What are the temperature requirements for applying Sportnem-H?
Sportnem-H can be applied when soil temperatures are >12°C but the nematode, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, will be more active when temperatures are >16°C.
How long can Sportnem-H be stored, and how should it be stored?
Sportnem-H is a live organism and needs to be handled with care. It must be used within 3-4 weeks of being received. Until use, it should be kept refrigerated at a temperature between 2-6°C.
How do I prepare the area before applying Sportnem-H?
Before applying, irrigate the area at least 5-10 litres per m² of water the evening prior to treatment. Then, apply a further 5 litres per m² of water 1-2 hours before treatment.
It is also recommended to aerate the soil using a sarel roller to help the nematodes move faster through the soil profile. Excessive thatch should be minimized as it can inhibit nematode movement into the soil.
What equipment is needed for applying Sportnem-H?
When using application equipment, you must remove all filters from components such as the lance handle, top hat filters at the nozzle, and filter bowls within pipes after the pump. Use a suitable nozzle, such as a flat fan nozzle with a coarse droplet size.
How do I prepare and apply Sportnem-H?
To prepare, place the contents of the pack into a clean bucket containing 5 litres of water. Stir it well and allow it to soak for 20-30 seconds, then stir again. Pour the entire solution into the spray tank, then top up until the required amount of solution is in the tank. Immediately spray the nematode solution onto the prepared surface using a maximum of 12 bar pressure.
Aim to apply in the morning, in the evening, or on a cloudy day, as nematodes can be killed by UV light. Also, aim to apply when rain is forecast.
What post-application care is needed after applying Sportnem-H?
Immediately after application, irrigate the treated area with at least 2-5 litres per m² of water to help wash the nematodes into the soil. It is crucial to keep the treated area moist for at least 2 weeks post-application.
What are the action thresholds for chafer grub infestations?
Action thresholds indicate when treatment should be undertaken to prevent pest populations from reaching an Economic Injury Level (where economic or aesthetic damage occurs). These thresholds can vary based on the priority level of the area and individual circumstances.
- For areas of high importance where damage is not acceptable, the action threshold is 30 chafer grubs per m².
- For areas where a small amount of damage is acceptable, the action threshold is 50 chafer grubs per m².
How can I monitor for chafer grubs?
Monitoring both adult chafer beetles and their larvae is important.
- Adults: Chafer beetles can be monitored using a chafer pheromone trap. Recording adult activity can help predict likely larval levels in subsequent years.
- Larvae: To monitor larval numbers and distribution, use a hole cutter to remove soil samples from several locations within the area. To get a representative view, use a standardized methodology like walking a W-shaped transect or a grid system to sample at regular distances.
What should I do if pest levels remain high after application?
If pest levels have not fallen below the action threshold levels, you may need to reapply 21-28 days after the first application. This might be necessary if conditions were not appropriate for nematode activity or if the infestation was particularly large.
It's also advisable to review your monitoring method, action thresholds, and treatment method.
Delivery & Returns
Delivery charge (if applicable) applied at checkout. Next working day delivery is available on some products, as an option on orders placed before 1pm - excludes festive season & bank holidays. Please note deliveries to Highlands, Cornwall and more remote areas may take longer. Surcharges apply for non mainland locations, call for more information - More delivery information.
We require deliveries to be signed for. If no one is available to sign for your delivery, you may request it is left in a safe place by leaving a signed note for the driver, requesting the item is left without a signature. Please note that this is left at your own risk and at the driver's discretion.
For large orders, please be aware that if you require a smaller 7.5 tonne lorry, the maximum weight for pallets is 750 kg - otherwise the standard pallet size limit of 1000 kg applies.
Please note:
- For deliveries that require a pallet, the pallet/packaging itself is the customer's responsibility and will not be uplifted or taken upon delivery.
- Deliveries are kerb side only.
- It is possible a pallet order can be delivered on a vehicle up to the size of a 26T lorry.
If you have any access restrictions for lorries or large vehicles please speak to our sales team on 01902 440250.
Collection from our Telford, Shropshire, Trade Counter is available for this product - More collections information.
