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  • How can I stop wireworm in potatoes?

    Created by Andrew Dunne on October 8, 2017 at 7:00 am

    I live in Dublin Ireland and have an allotment 25 foot by 25 foot. I planted potatoes last year and they all died. Is there a pesticide that I can use that is no harmful to birds or me? I think it’s wireworm or keel worm. Can you help? I am in the USA once a week so I can get stuff delivered to my hotel.

    Thank you very much.

    Andrew dunne

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  • October 9, 2017 at 5:22 pm #254315

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hello Andrew –

    Potatoes, carrots and beets are a few of the vegetable crops damaged by wireworms. Here’s how to get rid of them using proven, organic techniques.

    Thorough cultivation of the top 6- to 8-inches of soil makes conditions unfavorable to the egg laying adults and exposes all stages of the pest to weather and natural enemies.

    Crop rotation is especially important to the organic vegetable grower because it can help reduce many pest problems that lead to the use of pesticides.

    If possible, wait until the soil has warmed before planting tubers. Larvae prefer cool soils and dig deeper into the ground when temperatures rise.

    Apply beneficial nematodes when planting to attack and destroy developing pests in the soil.

    Birds can consume large amounts of larvae. Encourage them by hanging houses and feeders near your garden.

    Soil drenches containing the botanical insecticide pyrethrin are somewhat effective, but should only be used as a last resort.

    Hope it helps!

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