The city of Port Moody is providing weapons for the fight against chafer beetles.
From May 14 to 25, Port Moody residents who live in a single-family home can get a coupon from the city that will save them 50% on the cost of purchasing nematodes — tiny worms that kill chafer beetle grubs in the soil when applied correctly. Those grubs feed on the roots of grasses and attract predators like crows and raccoons that will dig up lawns to feast on them.
The coupons will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the finance counter at Port Moody city hall (100 Newport Dr.) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents must show picture ID to prove their residency to get a coupon and there is a limit of one coupon per household. The coupon can then be used to purchase a package of nematodes for half price at Art Knapp Plantland and Florist in Port Coquitlam (1300 Dominion Ave.), which will also provide instructions for properly applying the nematodes.
Nematodes are best applied in the spring, when the soil is warmer than 10 C, and one package should cover 2,000 sq. ft. of lawn.
As they must be applied with water, residents can show a proof of purchase of their nematodes at city hall to get a temporary exemption from Stage 1 and 2 watering restrictions.That exemption is good for 21 days.
For more information about the coupon program and tips on how to maintain a healthy lawn, go to www.portmoody.ca/chaferbeetle.
