The City of Burnaby is selling packages of nematodes to residents at a subsidized rate as of next Wednesday, according to the city’s website.
The microscopic groundworms are being offered to tackle the chafer beetle problem many city lawns are experiencing.
The chafer grubs feed on grass and are considered a tasty treat by birds, raccoons and skunks, with animals tearing up lawns to get to these subterranean snacks.
Residents can buy up to two packages of nematodes, to be picked up by mid-July. Each package contains 50 million nematodes, which can treat up to 750 square feet.
The city is taking pre-orders on a first-come, first-served basis at Bill Copeland Sports Centre, starting next Wednesday, June 17, until the following Wednesday, though not on weekends. Orders will be taken from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 17, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24. The cost per package is $35, and buyers must bring proof of Burnaby residency to pre-order.
The treatment time for nematodes is in late July, when chafer beetles are in the larval stage. For more information, go to tinyurl.com/chaferbeetleplan.
