Biological Pest Control: Nematodes As A Chemical-Free Option

Hedgehogs are one of the most recognisable mammals to visit British gardens after dark, often covering a surprising distance, sometimes a mile or more, over a single night as they forage. A garden that offers a route in, something to eat and somewhere quiet to rest is far more likely to see repeat visits than one that is sealed off and tidied within an inch of its life.

Nematodes are microscopic roundworms that occur naturally in soil, and certain species have been developed for use against specific garden pests. Rather than acting as a broad chemical treatment, each nematode species is matched to a particular pest, seeking it out and interrupting its lifecycle with far less impact on the rest of the garden than a chemical spray.

Placement decides whether the house gets used at all. A fixed position at around waist to head height, facing south or south-east to catch the morning sun, and sheltered from driving rain and strong wind, gives insects the stable conditions they need. Once occupied, the house is best left undisturbed through the nesting and overwintering period.

Shelter matters as much as food. A quiet, shaded corner away from foot traffic and pets, ideally backed onto a hedge or shrub border, is the right spot for a dedicated shelter. Gardeners setting one up for the first time often start by browsing hedgehog houses to see the range of designs suited to different garden sizes.

Stocking the pond with the right planting from the start makes a noticeable difference to how quickly it settles. A good place to begin is a considered selection of pond plants suited to the pond's size and depth.

Birds need consistent feeding through frosty spells, when natural food sources are hardest to find and energy demands are highest. Keeping feeders topped up, and http://wiki.die-karte-bitte.de/index.php/Benutzer_Diskussion:GuillermoPetheri providing water that is not frozen over, matters more in a hard frost than at almost any other point in the year; a small area gently melted with warm water is a better approach than breaking ice by force.