Treating pests... by introducing other “little creatures” into your living room? The idea may come as a surprise, and yet it is the most natural, safest and most effective method there is.
Welcome to the world of biological control.
Forget chemical insecticides. Biological control means using the natural predators of your enemies to restore a healthy balance. And our superhero in this mission is called the nematode, the star of our Jungle Buddies.
This guide will answer all your questions and, above all, reassure you: no, you will not have worms in your living room.
Part 1: What Is a Nematode (Really)?
When we say “worm”, we think of something you can see. Forget all that.
Nematodes (like the Steinernema feltiae we use) are microscopic organisms.
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INVISIBLE: They are completely invisible to the naked eye. What you receive looks like a fine powder or an orange paste (that's normal), but they really are in there, dormant.
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NATURAL: They occur naturally in healthy garden soil, all over France.
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HARMLESS (to you): They are completely safe for humans, pets (dogs, cats...), bees, and even for your plant! They have only one target: pest larvae.
Part 2: How Does It Work? (The Science, Simplified)
This is where it gets great. Nematodes are “hunters”.
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The application: You mix the contents of the Jungle Buddies sachet into your watering can or sprayer, and treat the compost and foliage of your plants.
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The hunt: The nematodes (woken up by the water) move through the damp compost, actively looking for their prey.
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The attack: They find a prey (a fungus gnat larva, or a thrips larva or pupa) and infect it. They release a specific bacterium that eliminates the pest.
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The end of the cycle: Once there is no prey left, the nematodes die in turn and break down naturally in the soil. No trace left.
Part 3: The Mistake NOT to Make (Managing Expectations)
“I applied the nematodes yesterday and I still have gnats flying around!”
That is NORMAL. It is the most important point to understand:
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Nematodes kill the LARVAE.
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They do NOT kill the ADULTS already flying around your home.
Your Jungle Buddies treatment will stop the breeding cycle. The adult gnats you can see will die of old age (their lives are short) and will not be replaced.
Patience: the population falls after about ten days. If thrips persist, a second treatment can be carried out a month later.
Part 4: The Practical Guide: Making a Success of Your “Jungle Buddies” Treatment
Follow these steps for maximum effectiveness.
Step 1: THE GOLDEN RULE (A Living Product)
Nematodes are ALIVE.
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Collect your parcel on the day it is delivered. Don't leave it for 3 days at a pick-up point or in a letterbox in full sun.
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If you are not using them straight away, keep the sachet closed in the fridge (not the freezer!) until the expiry date shown. Take it out 30 minutes before use.
Step 2: Preparation
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Moisten your compost. Nematodes need moisture to move. Water your plants lightly before the treatment.
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Pour the entire contents of your Jungle Buddies sachet into about 1 L of water, leave to stand for 5 minutes, then top up with water at 15 to 25 °C to 5 L (small size) or 10 L (large size), in a watering can or a sprayer. Mix well.
Step 3: Application
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Treat IMMEDIATELY, preferably in the evening (nematodes are sensitive to UV). Don't let the solution stand, or the nematodes will sink to the bottom.
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Water the compost of ALL your indoor plants, even those that don't seem affected, and spray both sides of the leaves. Gnats and thrips move around and lay eggs everywhere.
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Re-mix regularly to keep the nematodes in suspension.
Step 4: Aftercare
Keep your plants moist for 7 days, then water lightly and regularly for at least 2 weeks (without soaking). This is crucial so the nematodes can hunt.
Part 5: The Combined Attack (The Pro Strategy)
Nematodes take care of the larvae. But we can help them deal with the adults!
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AGAINST FUNGUS GNATS: Combine Jungle Buddies with Yellow Sticky Insect Traps. The nematodes kill the larvae, the traps catch the flying adults.
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AGAINST THRIPS: This is the hardest fight, it takes a triple attack.
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Soil and foliage: Jungle Buddies (to eliminate larvae and pupae).
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The leaves: Neem Oil + Black Soap spray (to kill the adults on the leaves).
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The air: Thrips Traps (sticky traps) (for the flying adults).
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That is exactly what we offer in our Ultimate Anti-Thrips Kit.
Summary: Why You Will Love It
IT IS NOT
Earthworms.
Visible to the naked eye.
A chemical product.
Dangerous to you or your pets.
An instant treatment (be patient!).
IT IS
The most effective solution against larvae.
100% natural and biological.
Completely safe for the home.
The choice of professionals and experts.
You are no longer a mere “plant parent”, you are an ecosystem manager. Welcome to biological control!