Beneficial Nematodes

Control Grubs and Other Subterranean Pests with Beneficial Nematodes!

ARBICO's Beneficial Nematodes are live microscopic organisms (non-segmented round worms) that occur naturally in soil throughout the world. They are parasitic to insect pests that typically have a developing (larval or pupal) stage of life in the soil; however, they have been known to also parasitize above ground stages of adults, nymphs and larvae.

HOW DO NEMATODES WORK?
After application, the nematodes immediately get to work. Upon finding a pest, they can enter it through various body openings or directly through the body wall. Once inside, it is not the nematode that actually kills the pest, but the toxic bacteria inside the nematode's gut that is the real weapon – symbiotic bacteria, that when released inside an insect, kill it within 24 - 48 hours by causing blood poisoning.

Beneficial Nematodes release the bacteria in order to create food and a hospitable environment for their own reproduction. As the food resources within the dead pest become scarce, the nematodes exit and immediately begin searching for a new host. As long as there is a suitable host, the nematodes will continue to survive and parasitize.

HOW ARE BENEFICIAL NEMATODES APPLIED?
Since nematodes are alive and sensitive to light, apply them early in the morning or at dusk. If necessary, they can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Our Beneficial Nematodes come Ready-To-Use. Just add water!
It's easy to apply nematodes. Before applying, make sure the soil is moist. Simply mix nematodes with water and apply using a watering can, hose end sprayer, backpack or pump sprayer or through irrigation or misting systems. Lightly water again after application.

When & How Often Should Nematodes be Applied?
Use beneficial nematodes whenever larvae or grubs are present, during the spring, summer and fall months. As pest larvae feed on plant roots beneath the soil surface, severe damage can be done before you realize you have a pest dilemma. If adult insects are present, their eggs, nymphs, larvae and pupae will soon be developing.

For Treatment: Apply beneficial nematodes every 2 weeks until pest infestation subsides.
For Prevention: Apply at least 2-3 times per year in the spring, summer and fall.

Optimum Temperatures to Apply Beneficial Nematodes:

• Air Temperature: Apply nematodes when night time temperatures are no lower than 42° F.

• Soil Temperature: (2" below surface) No lower than 42° F and no higher than 90° F. The air temperature guide above is a good rule for estimating soil temperature.

WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Nematodes are considered to be one of the most lethal parasites known to kill plant pests. Depending upon the pest(s) you are treating and the method of application, it can take from 2-30 days for you to see results.

It is important to remember that nematodes disintegrate pests from the inside out. You will not see dead insect bodies as you would with a chemical knockdown. Instead you will notice less and less of the pest(s) over time. Like all insects and organisms, some nematodes will survive the winter in a dormant state; however, we recommend re-applying on an annual basis to ensure that your pests do not get out of hand again.

Selecting the Right Variety of Beneficial Nematodes:
Use the quick chart below or see our NEW Beneficial Nematode Variety Selection Charts.

Nematode Variety	Soil Type	Use to Control
NemAttack™ Steinernema carpocapsae Order Here	Sandy, sandy loam or disturbed/cultivated soil	Mobile Pests such as fleas, cutworm, sod webworm, termites and more.
NemAttack™ Steinernema feltiae Order Here	Clay, silty loam or disturbed/cultivated soil.	Mobile Pests such as fungus gnats, ticks, thrips, leafminers and more.
NemaSeek™ Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Order Here	Prefers untilled soils of all types. (Lawns, fields, pastures and orchards) Minimum soil temperature 65° F	Stationary Pests such as Japanese beetles, grubs, root weevils, queen ants/termites and more!
Combo Packs NemaSeek™ & NemAttack™ Order Here	BEST VALUE! Comprehensive control of general pest infestations. Includes one package of each type of beneficial nematode. Choose which combo pack to order according to the variety of NemAttack needed for your soil type.

Important Shipping Note:

2nd Day Shipping Required for Backyard, Garden, Farm and Small Ranch Sizes. Note: Large Ranch Size Requires Next Day Shipping. When will my order ship? • Orders ship Monday – Wednesday and may take 2 days to process. • Orders placed Wednesday will ship the following Monday. Unless Next Day shipping is selected. • Nematodes cannot be shipped to Hawaii.