Port Moody residents wishing to battle chafer beetles in their lawns can get a coupon for 50% of nematode purchases and a permit to water their lawns.
The city program aims to reduce the impact of the beetles without the use of pesticides.
One of the biggest perks of the coupon program is a permit allowing an exemption from Metro Vancouver water sparkling rules.
“Many residents who bought nematodes last year weren’t able to use them due to Metro Vancouver's water restrictions,” Dave Kidd, PoMo's director of parks and public works, said in a press release. “This year, Metro Vancouver is allowing water sprinkling exemptions to assist residents with chafer beetle control; and the city will waive the cost of the sprinkling permit if used for watering nematodes."
Here's how it works:
• The program is open to Port Moody residents living in a single-family home. Residents must bring picture ID to prove residency in order to get a nematode coupon.
• One nematodes coupon is available per home.
• Coupons can be picked up through June 10 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the finance counter at Port Moody city hall.
• Starting June 10, nematodes can be picked up at Art Knapp Plantland and Florist, 1300 Dominion Ave., Port Coquitlam. Coupons must be presented when nematodes are picked up for a cost of $24.99 plus taxes.
• Art Knapp staff will provide application instructions at time of purchase. The package will cover 2,000 sq. ft. of lawn.
• Proof of nematode purchase must be shown at the second floor counter at city hall when applying for a water sprinkling exemption permit. The application must be made in person and is only valid for 21 days. Even with this permit, applicants may only sprinkle between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.
