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 What Are Beneficial Nematodes and How Do They Work?
Beneficial Nematodes are microscopic, non-segmented roundworms that occur naturally in soil throughout the world. Inside the nematode's gut is the real weapon — symbiotic bacteria that when released inside an insect kill it within 24 to 48 hours. The nematodes enter the larvae via the mouth, anus, respiratory openings, or directly through the body wall of the pest. The nematodes then eject their symbiotic bacteria inside the pest's body. The bacteria multiply and cause blood poisoning of the pest, leading to death. The bacteria also convert host tissue into nutritive products, which can easily be taken up by nematodes. Inside the dead insect, the nematodes feed and multiply. As the food resources within the dead pest become scarce, the nematodes will exit the dead insect and immediately start searching for a new host.
 How Do I Choose the Right Nematodes?
The table below gives an explanation of the two varieties of nematodes we sell. Choose the correct nematode by determining if your pest is MOBILE or STATIONARY. Good examples of mobile pests are fleas, caterpillars, and worker ants. Good examples of stationary pests are grubs and queen ants/termites. Grubs remain in a rather fixed position in the soil, feeding on roots while queen ants/termites stay in one place laying eggs. The reason you need to think about the mobility of your pest is that nematodes have different kinds of hunting strategies. Some nematodes are ambushers — they wait to attack passing pests. Some nematodes are hunters — they actively seek out pests in the soil.
| Nematode Variety |
Use to Control |
NemAttack™
Steinernema carpocapsae:
Waits to attack mobile pests. Best in sandy or disturbed soils in cooler climates.
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Most Common Use: Fleas, caterpillars, cutworms, sod webworms, worker/soldier ants and worker/soldier termites.
Others: American cockroach, armyworm, artichoke plume moth, Asian cockroach, beet armyworm, black cutworm, bluegrass weevil, codling moth, corn earworm, cotton bollworm, cucumber beetle, fall armyworm, fly larvae, fruit fly, German cockroach, leaf miners, mole crickets, tobacco budworm, wireworm, and more.
Recommended for northern states. Consider your area Northern if your soils are more clayish and Southern if your soils are more sandy.
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NemAttack™
Steinernema feltiae:
Waits to attack mobile pests. Best in sandy or disturbed soils in warmer climates.
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Same as S. carpocapsae, but more adapted to hotter climates. Also best for foliar applications.
Recommended for southern states. Consider your area Southern if your soils are more sandy and Northern if your soils are more clayish.
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NemaSeek™
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora:
Seeks out stationary pests. Best in clayish or undisturbed soils. Adapted to all climates.
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Most Common Use: Grubs, root zone weevils, citrus weevils, black vine weevils, queen ants/termites
Others: Asparagus beetle, bagworm, banana weevil, banana moth, bill bug, black vine weevil, cabbage root maggots, carrot weevil, citrus weevil, colorado potato beetle, cucumber beetle, European chafer, adult flea, flea beetle, gall midge, Japanese beetle, masked chaffer, May/June beetles, strawberry root weevil, sugarcane stalk borer, sweet potato weevil, various tree and vine borers, and more.
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Termite Control
Apply NemAttack™ and NemaSeek™ together to get the best control. One "farm size" nematode package will treat 40 linear feet of foundation. Apply through tubes inserted around the building perimeter or into trenches. Use as much water as necessary to carry it down into the soil. Beneficial Nematodes are washed into the termite tubes, tunnels, and nests, or they migrate on their own. Once inside the nest, they kill the colony by killing the queens or by killing enough workers and soldiers that the queen starves. Order Combo Packs of Nematodes Here.
How are Nematodes Shipped?
REFRIGERATE UPON ARRIVAL. Remove nematode bag(s) from insulated shipping container or packaging and place in refrigerator until ready to use. Nematodes are shipped in an easily dissolved formulation that you mix with water.
 How Are Nematodes Applied?
The solution can be applied using a watering can, hose end sprayer, backpack or pump sprayer or through irrigation or misting systems.
When Should They Be Released?
Release early in the morning or predusk when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not so bright.
Should The Soil Be Moist After The Nematode Application?
The soil should be moist at time of application and lightly watered immediately after application. After application, regular watering of the treated area will provide sufficient moisture. Generally speaking, water every 3-4 days if rainfall does not occur.
What's the Application Rate?
The Garden Sizes of NemAttack™ and NemaSeek™ contain 10 million nematodes and will effectively treat approximately 3,200 sq. ft. The Farm Sizes contain 50 million nematodes and will effectively treat 1/2 to 1 full acre of treatable surface depending upon level of infestation. The Ranch Sizes contain 500 million nematodes and will treat approximately 10 acres. It is best to make at least two applications, separated by 7-10 days in order to stagger the life cycles of the nematodes and to assure complete coverage. In cases of severe infestations, applications should be made every 7-10 days or until infestation subsides.
How Long Can Nematodes Be Kept Before Use?
Beneficial nematodes can be stored in a refrigerator for up to two months (do not freeze!). The best way to store unused portions is to place them in a large shallow storage container and cover with about ½ inch of water. This is to ensure that they do not dry out and that the maximum area is exposed to the air so they can breathe.
How Long Does It Take To See Results?
In general 3-7 days for caterpillars such as cutworms, armyworms, sod sebworms. For grubs and weevils such as Japanese beetle, black vine weevil and billbugs feeding stops within 3 days with maximum control occurring over 2-4 weeks. Nematodes disintegrate the pests from the inside out. You will not see dead insect bodies as you would with a chemical knockdown.
How Often Should Nematodes Be Applied?
Nematodes are recommended for use whenever larvae or grubs are present. Generally, this is during the spring and fall months. Because larvae feed on plant roots, beneath the soil surface, severe damage can be done before realizing there is a problem. Look for signs of an adult insect, such as leaf-notching. If adult insects are present, their eggs will be hatching soon. Keep in mind, one application may not eradicate a population of insects that has become established over a period of years.
Will Nematodes Live Through The Winter?
In general, harsh winter weather in most parts of the country almost guarantees a significant decline in the population of the nematodes. In most cases, nematodes (just like insects) will become dormant during cold weather. Any survivors would be few in number to provide adequate insect control. If your insect pest returns the following year, another application may be necessary.
When Nematodes Are Applied To One Area Will They Move To Other Areas?
Nematodes, due to their microscopic nature have limited range of movement. Generally NemAttack™, our formulations of Steinernema will stay where you put them, but NemaSeek™ (Heterorhabditis) will continue moving through the soil until they find a pest to infect.
Warranty
ARBICO-Organics makes no guarantee of effectiveness due to subjectivity of application. ARBICO-Organics does guarantee live nematodes upon arrival of product and provides telephone backup for customer questions or problems.
Beneficial Nematode Order Page.
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©2009 ARBICO Organics