Have you tried everything against fungus gnats or thrips? Are the sticky traps full but the insects keep coming back? That’s because you’re only treating the tip of the iceberg.
The real battle is fought at the larval stage.
Meet Sf Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae), the microscopic guardians of your jungle. They are natural predators, invisible and harmless to you, that hunt down pest larvae right at the source.
Out with chemicals, in with biology.
1. What Is an Sf Nematode? (The Science Minute)
Forget the picture of an “earthworm”. Steinernema feltiae nematodes are microscopic organisms (invisible to the naked eye).
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100% Natural: They live naturally in the soil of gardens in France.
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Selective: They only attack the larvae of pest insects.
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Harmless: They are completely safe for humans, cats, dogs and your plants. You can treat your living room without worry.
2. What Are They Effective Against?
Sf Nematodes are specialists. They mainly target two enemies of houseplants:
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Fungus Gnats (Sciarid Flies): This is their favourite prey. The nematodes eliminate the larvae (the little white worms in the compost) that nibble at the roots. It is the most radical solution for stopping an invasion.
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Thrips (larvae and pupae): The nematodes attack thrips larvae and pupae, in the compost and on the foliage, breaking the reproductive cycle.
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Mealybugs: as a complement to a foliar treatment such as the Multi-Insect.
3. How Do They Work? (Hunter Mode)
Once mixed with water and applied to the compost and foliage:
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The nematodes “swim” in the moisture of the compost.
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They locate their prey by its heat and CO2.
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They enter the larva and release a symbiotic bacterium that kills it.
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They multiply inside, then set off in search of new prey.
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When there are no more larvae, they disappear naturally (biodegradable).
4. How to Use Them (Making Your Treatment a Success)
Nematodes are alive. For them to work, a few golden rules must be followed.
Step 1: Delivery (Urgent!)
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Collect your parcel the same day. Don’t leave it in the sun or in the letterbox. Heat kills nematodes.
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Storage: If you aren’t treating straight away, put the sachet in the fridge (not the freezer!). They keep until the expiry date shown. Take it out 30 minutes before use.
Step 2: Preparation
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Water your plants lightly before the treatment (nematodes need moist soil to move around).
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Pour the whole sachet of Jungle Buddies into about 1 L of water and leave it to stand for 5 minutes (the contents may be an orange paste: that’s normal).
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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, and mix well.
Step 3: Application
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Preferably in the evening, water the compost of all your plants and spray both sides of the leaves (even plants that don’t seem sick, because pests lay their eggs everywhere).
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Shake regularly during application so the nematodes don’t sink to the bottom.
Step 4: Aftercare (Crucial)
Keep your plants moist for 7 days, then water lightly and regularly for at least 2 weeks. If the soil dries out completely, the nematodes die.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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“I treated yesterday but there are still gnats flying around!” That’s normal! Nematodes kill the larvae, not the flying adults. The adults will die of old age and won’t be replaced. The population falls after about ten days.
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Tip: Combine with Yellow Sticky Traps to catch the adults.
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“Do I need to treat again?” If thrips persist, a second treatment can be carried out a month later.
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“Can I overdose?” Use the whole sachet at once, in the amount of water indicated. There is no risk to the plant.
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“Can I add fertiliser at the same time?” Yes, our organic fertilisers such as Jungle Boost or the liquid fertilisers are compatible. Just avoid harsh chemicals.
Summary: The Fact Sheet
TARGET: Fungus gnat larvae, thrips larvae and pupae, mealybugs (as a complement).
TYPE: Biological Control (living organism).
APPLICATION: Watering can or sprayer, on the compost and foliage.
CONDITIONS: Air between 14 and 35 °C, water between 15 and 25 °C, moist soil.
RESULTS: Population falling after about ten days.
Ready to clean up your compost? Order your Jungle Buddies here.