Wireworm Nematodes

What is a wireworm?

A wireworm is the larval stage of a click beetle. These larvae are slender, hard-bodied, and typically yellow to brown in colour.

How do I identify wireworms?

To identify wireworms, look for long, slender larvae of click beetles, typically 0.5 to 2 inches long, with a hard, shiny, yellow to brown body. They have a segmented shape, three pairs of legs, and a darker head.

Wireworms are usually found in moist, sandy, or loamy soils, especially in gardens and fields. Signs of damage include holes in root crops like potatoes and carrots, leading to wilting or stunted growth.

They are most active in spring and early summer. To find them, bury a piece of potato or carrot in the soil and check for wireworms after a few days. If they’re affecting your plants, consider crop rotation or beneficial nematodes for control.

Wireworms have a long lifecycle, hanging out in the soil for years before becoming beetles. They’re most active in spring and early summer, attacking new seeds and seedlings. This can lead to bare spots and wilted plants in your garden.

Female beetles lay eggs from late April to late July, typically beneath the surface of lawns or soil covered with plant foliage.

These eggs hatch in about a month, so the nematodes should be applied from May onwards throughout the summer to target the newly hatched larvae. The larvae can persist in the soil for 3 – 5 years and burrow quite deeply.

How do wireworm nematodes protect my plants from infestations?

Wireworm nematodes offer a potent defence against wireworm infestations by targeting the larvae of the click beetle. They safeguard plants from root-feeding damage inflicted by wireworms, particularly protecting crops like potatoes from becoming inedible due to severe infestation. They are also safe for pets, children and wildlife.

When is the best time to apply wireworm nematodes?

How do I store wireworm nematodes?

Store the nematodes in the fridge or below 5 degrees upon delivery, and use them before the expiry date on the package. Ensure you do not freeze them or expose nematodes to high temperatures.

How do I apply the nematodes? 

Follow the instructions on the back of the packet. 
Apply wireworm nematodes during the warmer months when soil temperatures are consistently above 50°F (10°C).  When applying, water them into the soil within 30 minutes to wash them off the leaves and back onto the soil, ensuring optimal effectiveness. Ensure the soil is moist and kept moist for 3-4 weeks after application. Apply in the evening, when it is overcast or during rainfall. Ensure you water is straight away after applying.

Use the entire pack.

1.Make a stock solution by emptying the whole packet of nematodes into 6L of water and stir continuously. Ensure that once it's mixed this solution needs to be used within 4 hours.

2.Take 0.5L of the stock solution and pour into a separate bucket and mix with 4.5L of water stirring continuously.

3.Move the 5L solution from the bucket into a watering can. Apply to the soil surface around the plant stems. One watering can will treat approx. 5m2.

4.Repeat this process until all the stock solution has been used then water the treated area with the watering can or a hose pipe.

Wireworms in Potatoes

Wireworms are particularly fond of potatoes for a few reasons. Firstly, potatoes provide a rich source of nutrients that wireworms need to grow and develop. The tubers are full of carbohydrates and other essential nutrients that make them an ideal food source.

Secondly, the soil conditions where potatoes are typically grown are favorable for wireworms. They thrive in moist, organic-rich soils, which are common in potato fields. The cool, damp environment is perfect for their development and survival.

Lastly, wireworms are attracted to the underground parts of plants, and potatoes, being tubers, are an easy target. They burrow into the tubers, creating tunnels and holes as they feed, which can cause significant damage to the crop.

Are wireworms harmful to humans​?

Wireworms are not harmful to humans. They do not pose any direct danger and are primarily a nuisance in gardens and agricultural settings. While they can cause significant damage to crops by feeding on roots, seeds, and tubers, they do not bite or transmit diseases to humans.

Further information on wireworms

Wireworms are notorious for the damage they inflict on various crops and plants. These pests feed on the roots, causing the plants to wilt, turn yellow, and experience stunted growth, which can ultimately lead to their death. Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, are particularly susceptible to wireworm attacks. The larvae tunnel into the tubers, leaving behind holes that render the crops unmarketable. Seedlings are not spared either; they often collapse and die after being attacked by wireworms, especially in areas that have been newly cultivated.

In addition to these issues, wireworms also pose a significant threat to crops like cereals, alliums, and sugar beets. They burrow into the roots and stems, which results in reduced yields and lower marketability of the produce. One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with wireworms is their extended feeding period. These pests can live and feed in the soil for up to five years before they pupate, causing long-term damage to crops. Therefore, effective management of wireworms is crucial to prevent these types of damage.

Facts about wireworm nematodes

An interesting fact about wireworms is that they can have a significant impact on agricultural ecosystems. A single wireworm can cause extensive damage to crops, leading to economic losses. Interestingly, their presence often indicates healthy soil conditions, as they thrive in environments rich in organic matter. This dual role highlights their complex relationship with agriculture and the soil ecosystem!

Wireworms have a unique defense mechanism: when disturbed, they can curl up and "play dead" to avoid predation. This behavior, along with their hard, shiny exterior, helps them evade predators like birds and other insects. This adaptability aids in their survival in various environments!

Wireworms in Potatoes

Wireworms are particularly fond of potatoes for a few reasons. Firstly, potatoes provide a rich source of nutrients that wireworms need to grow and develop. The tubers are full of carbohydrates and other essential nutrients that make them an ideal food source.

Secondly, the soil conditions where potatoes are typically grown are favorable for wireworms. They thrive in moist, organic-rich soils, which are common in potato fields. The cool, damp environment is perfect for their development and survival.

Lastly, wireworms are attracted to the underground parts of plants, and potatoes, being tubers, are an easy target. They burrow into the tubers, creating tunnels and holes as they feed, which can cause significant damage to the crop.

What damage can wireworms cause?

Wireworms are the larvae of the click beetle, and damage plant roots, causing wilting and sometimes the plants die particularly younger plants.