The invention provides the use of loquat kernel to kill, inactivate or repel pests, in particular nematodes. Also provided is a method of killing, inactivating or repelling nematodes, which method comprises providing loquat kernel and applying the loquat kernel to the nematodes or to an area where the nematodes are likely to exist or to an area to where the nematodes are expected to move. The invention further provides a pesticide comprising loquat kernel and a pesticidally acceptable solvent, carrier, excipient or diluent; and a method of producing a pesticide, which method comprises providing ground, chopped, freeze dried or spray dried loquat kernel.