Beneficial Nematodes - Information & FAQs

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.

Need help choosing the right variety of beneficial nematodes?
See our NEW Nematode Variety Selection Charts.

Choose the right Beneficial Nematodes for your pest problems:

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 Beneficial 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. Please see the instructions for the RL Flo-Master for hose end sprayer directions or read below.

How to Apply Beneficial Nematodes with the RL Flo-Master Hose End Sprayer:

For applying Beneficial Nematodes: Use the liquid setting.  Remove the sprayer head, make sure the siphon tube is attached, and add the correct amount of dry nematode mixture then fill to the proper gallon mark. Mix well. For covering up to 800 square feet, place approximately 1/4 of the nematodes into the container, then fill to the 3 gallon mark. (for Garden size) For covering up to 2,000 square feet, place approximately 2/3 of the nematodes into the container, then fill to the 6 gallon mark. (for Garden size) For covering up to 5,000 square feet, place approximately 1/8 of the nematodes into the container, then fill to the 15 gallon mark. For 1/2 acre, apply 4 times. (for Farm Size) For covering up to 10,000 square feet, place approximately 1/4 of the nematodes in the container, then fill to the 21 gallon mark. For 1/2 acre, apply 2 times. (for Farm Size) Mix well and follow the rest of the liquid directions below.   Turn the selection knob to the correct gallon setting, select your spray pattern, and attach the head to the container and the hose. Make sure everything is in the “Off” position, turn the water on, slide the water switch to “On” and apply. When the container is empty, you will have sprayed the correct number of gallons of properly mixed solution from your setting onto your area. Order Hose End Sprayer here

When Should They Be Released?
Release early in the morning or predusk when temperatures are cooler and the sun is not so bright (UV rays harm nematodes). Pest insects will be high enough in the soil for the nematodes to find and the soil temperature will not be so hot that the nematodes are killed.

Fall Usage Note: As temperatures cool in the fall, pest insects move deeper underground for winter. If you have noticed grubs and your night time temperatures are too low for applying nematodes, just wait and use nematodes in early spring. Grubs and other dormant pests will not destroy anything until spring. As the grubs begin to emerge from their dormant stage you can be ready with beneficial nematodes to take care of the problem right away.

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 take them out of the original container and place them in a large shallow storage container. Cover them with no more than a ½ inch of water. Do not seal the shallow storage container completely, Beneficial Nematodes must have air.   This storage technique will ensure that the nematodes do not dry out and are exposed to 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 webworms. 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 Guarantees Live Beneficial Nematodes Upon Arrival of Product. We also provide telephone backup for customer questions or problems. ARBICO Organics makes no guarantee of effectiveness due to subjectivity of application.

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