Most weeds are simply an eyesore that can overtake your garden if left unchecked. But, stinging nettles present a unique problem in that they can cause painful stings (as the name suggests) to you, your loved ones, and your pets or livestock. They can infest a garden rapidly without swift action, too.
So, what is the best weed killer for nettles? We’ll show you what kills nettles permanently and how to achieve lasting eradication so you can reclaim your outdoor spaces. You’ll also learn how to kill nettles in other ways if herbicidal solutions won’t work.
However, the best way to kill nettles is with our tried-and-true weed killer here at Jennychem. Weedex Super has earned the trust of more than 10,000 UK gardeners and counting and is effective against a wide variety of weeds, including stinging nettles.
Order today and put this problem behind you permanently with the #1 nettle weed killer online!
Nettles, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, are perennial plants common in temperate regions. They are notorious for their stinging hairs, which cause skin irritation.
They thrive in moist, nutrient-rich soils and are often found in gardens, along roadsides, and in meadows. Before we get into the best weed killer for nettles, though, let’s make sure this is actually what you’re dealing with.
There are quite a few distinct characteristics you can use to identify a nettle outbreak:
The stinging hairs on nettles inject histamines and other chemicals into the skin, causing a painful, itchy rash.
This can be particularly problematic for children and pets who accidentally brush against the plants. Nettles can even trigger allergic reactions in some individuals that go beyond skin irritation, including respiratory issues when pollen is inhaled.
But beyond the discomfort they cause, why learn how to kill nettles? They’re highly invasive and can quickly overtake your entire property if you don’t act fast.
Their aggressive growth habit allows them to outcompete other plants, reducing biodiversity and the aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces. So, time is clearly of the essence. Let’s get into what kills nettles permanently.
There are tons of herbicides you can choose from in your search for an effective nettle weed killer. But what works best against this pesky plant?
We’ll highlight active ingredients and mechanisms of action you can rely on along with a few other factors in choosing the best nettle weed killer.
Effective nettle weed killers often contain glyphosate, triclopyr, or acetic acid. Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that kills most plants it contacts, making it suitable for areas where you don't mind eliminating all vegetation.
On the other hand, acetic acid is an organic non-selective herbicide. If you’re looking for a nettle weed killer safe for pets and children, this is an excellent choice. It quickly dries out the plants and kills the tissue from the inside out.
Triclopyr is a selective herbicide targeting broadleaf plants like nettles while sparing grasses. If your nettle problem has made its way into your garden and you’re worried about harming other plants, try an herbicide with this as the active ingredient first.
Herbicides can be systemic or contact-based. The mechanism of action makes a big difference in how quickly the weed killer works and how effective it is at providing lasting results. So, how does weed killer work?
Systemic herbicides are absorbed by the plant and transported throughout its system, effectively killing the roots. This is particularly useful for perennial weeds like nettles that have extensive root systems. Contact herbicides, on the other hand, kill only the parts of the plant they touch and may require multiple applications for complete eradication.
There is often a negative connotation associated with herbicides, as the belief is that they’re all toxic and harm the environment. This isn’t necessarily the case. You can find many products that are safe for the surrounding environment, pets, and humans.
Always check if the herbicide is approved for use in your area and adhere to the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Products with minimal residual activity are preferable to prevent long-term soil contamination.
Acetic acid-based weed killers are generally considered safer and more environmentally friendly, making them a good choice for families with pets and children. This ingredient is not toxic after it dries.
So, learn about how long for weed killer to dry and how long does weed killer stay in soil if you’re worried about residual impact on your property.
A good weed killer should be easy to apply. Ready-to-use formulas can be convenient, but concentrates that require dilution might offer better value for larger areas. You should seek out a versatile solution that allows you to choose between both approaches.
Consider the application method - whether it’s a spray, granular, or a gel. Sprays are typically more effective for covering large areas evenly, while gels can be more precise for targeted applications.
So, what kills weeds permanently naturally? What is the best weed killer for nettles? Look no further than Weedex Super. It’s earned thousands of 5-star reviews for quickly killing nettles and many other tough plants - like ivy, Japanese knotweed, horsetail, and more.
The powerful formula is centered around acetic acid, known for its effectiveness in killing weeds quickly and efficiently. As we mentioned earlier this ingredient acts by desiccating the plant, leading to rapid wilting and death.
Unlike surface-only treatments, Weedex Super ensures that the herbicide penetrates deeply, reaching the roots and preventing regrowth. The best part, though, is that you don’t need to stress about environmental implications. It’s safe around pets and children once it has dried.
The product is user-friendly and can be applied using a garden sprayer neat or diluted for a more economical approach. Simply follow the straightforward instructions for dilution and application to achieve the best results.
Pair it with an IK sprayer from Jennychem for the easiest application process. These sprayers have a wide filling mouth for quick refills, a translucent tank for easy monitoring, and adjustable cone and fan nozzles so you can spray with the ultimate precision.
Don’t take any chances with this infestation - put an end to your nettle problem with confidence by ordering the best weed killer for nettles at Jennychem today! We’ll share tips on how to kill nettles with Weedex Super below.
You may already know how to use weed killer, but if not, we’ll show you how to remove nettles with ease using our targeted nettle weed killer below.
We have an entire guide on the best time to spray weed killer as this makes such a dramatic difference in your results. It’s not just about effectiveness, though, but also a safety consideration.
The best time to apply an herbicide for nettles is while they’re actively growing. This is typically in the spring and early summer when the plants are fully leafed out and absorbing nutrients vigorously. This ensures the nettles take up the maximum amount of acetic acid for more effective results.
We also suggest waiting for a cool, calm day to apply the product to prevent the wind from drifting the product toward the desired vegetation. Remember, Weedex Super is a non-selective herbicide.
The temperature matters too as you don’t want the product to dry too quickly before it has a chance to work its magic. Ensure there is no rain in the forecast either, as this could wash away the product and save the nettle from dying.
Weedex Super is straightforward to use with standard garden sprayers, but it’s still worth taking your time and reading through the instructions. This is especially useful for helping you determine if you should dilute the product or apply it neat.
It’s highly concentrated which is great for tougher outbreaks that are more well established. But if you catch the problem early, you may be able to use a 50/50 mixture with water to save money on the application process.
Before you start mixing anything, though, make sure you have the proper protective clothing on - gloves, sleeves, goggles, etc. Although Weedex Super is safe once dried, direct contact with your skin can be a problem.
Now comes the fun part of how to kill nettles - actually putting Weedex Super to work! Double-check the conditions as you want a dry, windless day, ideally early morning or late afternoon to prevent evaporation.
Thoroughly cover the nettle plants, focusing on the leaves. This is where the herbicide will be absorbed most effectively. For larger infestations, make sure to cover the entire plant, including the stems and base.
Spray close to the ground to avoid drift and minimise runoff. Direct the spray nozzle at the base of the nettles for maximum absorption into the root system.
Now it’s just a waiting game. How long does it take for weed killer to work? Typically, you can expect to see results within a few days to a week. The nettle should start wilting and dying at this point.
If not, you may need a second application. Wait a full 2-3 weeks for this repeated application to allow the first treatment to take its full effect.
Remember, children and pets need to stay out of the application site until the herbicide is fully dried. This can take a few hours depending on the environmental conditions.
You came here looking for insights on what kills nettles permanently, and you know now that Weedex Super is the best weed killer for nettles. But if you aren’t sure you want to use chemical means just yet, here are some of the other best ways to kill stinging nettles.
The most obvious approach to nettle removal is to pull them up manually. This may not always be possible depending on the condition of your soil and how deeply rooted the plant is. But, it’s worth a shot.
Wear long sleeves, gloves, and long pants to protect your skin during removal so you don’t have to deal with the agitating effects of this plant’s hairs. You may also want a spade, fork, or hoe to help dig up the plants. A hand trowel may suffice for smaller infestations.
Loosen the soil around the nettles before pulling for easier removal. Be sure to pull out the entire root system - otherwise, the nettles will re-emerge from the soil within a few weeks.
Place the removed nettles in a bag and dispose of them in the trash. Do not compost nettles, as they may still spread.
Smothering nettles can effectively starve them of sunlight and nutrients. Use a heavy-duty tarp, black plastic, or a thick layer of mulch (such as cardboard covered with organic mulch) to cover the infested area.
Leave the cover in place for several months. This method requires patience, but over time, the lack of light and air will kill the nettles. For better results, use salt along with the mulch. Why does salt kill weeds? Get the scoop in our blog.
There are a few different ways you can burn nettles to death - either using a torch or boiling water. Both can be effective, immediate eradication measures.
You just need to be extra careful with these approaches as they can be dangerous. Learn more in our guide comparing weed burner vs weed killer.
This homemade weed killer recipe is extremely effective for those wondering what kills nettles naturally. In fact, acetic acid is actually found in vinegar!
Mix white vinegar with water in a spray bottle. For a stronger solution, use vinegar without diluting it. Spray the vinegar solution directly onto the nettles. The acetic acid in the vinegar will help to dry out and kill the plants.
Just be aware that you’re essentially using an ultra-diluted version of Weedex Super. You may as well invest in the best weed killer for nettles if you’re going to take this route, as you won’t have to repeat the application as frequently.
While all of these methods of killing stinging nettles have their place, the best weed killer UK is just a few clicks away ready to help you make fast work of this eradication process. So, now that you know how to kill nettles with Weedex Super, order yours today and get to work!
While nettles can pose a painful, unsightly problem in your outdoor spaces, we hope this guide on what kills nettles permanently has left you with a clear understanding of your next steps.
From the best nettle weed killer to the best weed killer for ivy, all your weed problems can be effortlessly managed with the natural desiccation power of Weedex Super. You can even pair them with the other ways to kill stinging nettles we mentioned above.
However, you’ll find that managing even the most pervasive plant pests becomes quick and easy with our solution. Don’t just take our word for it, put Weedex Super to the test today and see what has made it the #1 choice for UK gardeners!
