Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic, nonsegmented worms that occur naturally in soil all around the world. Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae prey on ants, termites and the larval and grub stages of various beetles, weevils, armyworms, cutworms, chafers, webworms, borers, maggots, fleas, ticks, fungus gnats (sciarid flies), to name a few. Once they are released, the nematodes seek out host insects and enter their prey through body openings, injecting them with lethal bacteria, then feeding on the resultant "goo".The nematodes reproduce and their offspring feed on the insect cadaver and emerge to seek out new hosts. The endo-toxin generally results in death of the host insect within 48 hours.

Nematodes are easy to use. They are shipped in a dry powdery clay formulation that is easily mixed with water. The solution can be applied using a watering can; hose end, backpack, or pump sprayers; or through irrigation or misting systems. Always release early in the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and away from direct sunlight to avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays and the drying effects of the sun. It is good to pre-moisten the soil before application and to water the area where application was performed afterwards. Soil should be moist, but not saturated.

Generally, 10 million of Beneficial Nematodes will effectively treat approximately 900 sq. ft. of conventional garden rows or up to 2500 sq ft broadcast. Release nematodes every 3-6 weeks or until infestation subsides.

Nematodes can be stored in a refrigerator (do not freeze!) for up to 2 weeks, but it is best to use them as soon as possible, because they are somewhat perishable. If they start to smell bad, they're on their way out.

Outdoor Flea control: Apply liberally over area around where pet sleeps or frequents, using a garden sprayer of alternate method of dispersion. Less than 5% of the total flea population are adults at any given time. Steinernema sp. hunt and destroy pre-adult flea stages that live in the soil until maturity, when they seek a blood meal from you or your pet. Control begins within 24 hours of treatment and lasts for up to several months.

Beneficial Nematode Application Rates for garden and field crops.

221221  Steinernema sp., 10 mil, (900/2500 sq ft) (0.2#)  $24.90
221231  Steinernema sp., 50 mil, (1/4 acre)       (0.8#)  $54.00
221241  Steinernema sp., 100 mil,(1/2 acre)       (3#)    $99.00
221251  Steinernema sp., 200 mil,(acre)           (6#)   $190.00

• Insect Parasitic Nematodes
• More information on nematodes from Cornell University.
• Nematodes as Biological Control Agents of Insects

Heterohabditis sp.

This nematode species is similar to Steinernema sp. except that it can enter its prey directly through the body wall as well as through body openings. Considered by many to be more agressive.

221321  H. bactereophora, 10 mil  (2200 sq ft) (1.2#)   $25.90
221331  H. bactereophora, 50 mil  (4400 sq ft) (1.2#)   $54.00
221341  H. bactereophora, 100 mil (1/2 acre)   (3#)    $104.00
221351  H. bactereophora, 200 mil              (6#)    $196.00

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qty:

• Nematodes as Biological Control Agents of Insects