Beneficial Nematodes
Microscopic round worms kill pest larvae before they hatchBeneficial Nematodes are naturally occurring organisms found in soils throughout the world. These microscopic tiny, unsegmented roundworms prey on the larvae of insects, infecting the hosts, and killing them before they can hatch. When concentrated into larger amounts,
Beneficial Nematodes can provide effective insect control without the uses of harsh chemicals.
Nematodes are safe to use, environmentally friendly, and work as a natural insect controller without any of the environmental modifications found when using harsh sprays or powders.
Beneficial Nematodes work exactly as nature intended, seeking out host larvae and injecting them with poisonous endotoxins as they feed, killing the victim within 48 hours.
Beneficial Nematodes are not a host specific parasite, and can kill the larvae of hundreds of different insects, including but not limited to:.
- Ants
- Bill Bugs
- Beetles
- Borers
- Cockroaches
- Fleas
- Flies
- Gnats
- Grubs
- Maggots
- Termites
- Webworms
- Weevils
- Wireworms
Application: Beneficial Nematodes are packaged and shipped in a water soluble solution that can be sprayed with either a pump or hose-end sprayer. One vial covers approximately 3200 sq./ft, and one pint covers up to 11,000 sq./ft. Nematodes are living organisms, and as such should be stored and treated with care. They can be kept for 3 months at room temperature or refrigerated between 37-50° F (not freezing) and stored for up to 6 months.
For best results,
Beneficial Nematodes should be applied to pre-dampened soil of a moderate temperature, and shaded from direct sunlight during application since UV radiation can kill them. Watering afterwards will help ensure proper dissemination throughout the soil. Results should be detectable within one generation of insect life cycles.
Why Nematodes are so effective
Beneficial Nematodes come in a variety of types. And although some prey on the root systems of plants, the ones we sell are beneficial parasites that only attack the larvae of insects. Though they are lethal to larvae, Beneficial Nematodes are completely safe around people and pets, lacking the ability to infect vertebrate animals.
Beneficial Nematodes exhibit different behaviors in searching for food. Some travel through the soil looking for clutches of insect egg or larvae. These are referred to as “cruisers”. Others known as “ambushers” wait in one place, then attack moving insects and attempt to infest them. Because of these different behaviors, Beneficial Nematodes can provide balanced protection against both topsoil and underground pests.
When eggs or larvae are encountered, the nematode pierces the outer layer and injects poison into the host, liquefying the contents. As they feed, the nematodes lay eggs within the host, and then move on. These eggs hatch inside the host, and remain there until the host dies. Then the new nematodes head off in search of more hosts to infect, continuing the cycle of reproduction.
More information about Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial Nematodes were first discovered in the 17th century, yet their application to agricultural was not realized until more recent times. In 1929, researchers Glaser and Fox identified and cultivated nematodes for the particular purpose of attacking the grub of the Japanese Beetle. Today, there are many labs throughout the United States and the rest of the world continuing this work.
With the advent of insect resistant to pesticides and a greater public interest in organic gardening, Beneficial Nematodes are experiencing a comeback in usage and popularity amongst commercial and local growers. As more and more people are turning away from the chemical treatment of garden pests, natural insect control though the use of Beneficial Nematodes is increasingly being seen as a viable option. As more pesticides are deregistered, smart growers are turning to organic solutions for healthy farms and gardens.
Beneficial Nematodes can help you control pests without any of the drawbacks associated with traditional chemical sprays or other treatments. Protect your garden the natural way with Beneficial Nematodes.