Beneficial Nematodes

USE: Beneficial Nematodes (BN) assault more than 230 kinds of wood boring and soil dwelling pests, such as fungus gnat larvae, gypsy moth larvae, flea larvae, corn root worms, white grubs, cutworms, cabbage root maggots, strawberry weevils and more.

RELEASE: BN may be released by spraying with water, mixing with mulch and applying directly to the soil or potting mix, or injecting into burrows. They may be used any time of year, as long as the ground is not frozen. Do not release in direct sunlight, as this will kill them. See directions for details.

COVERAGE: Will cover up to 2,000 square feet, but faster results are obtained with higher concentrations.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Steinernema feltiae (Beneficial Nematodes) are microscopic and so cannot be seen with the naked eye. The 7 million active nematodes (worms) in each pint container will attach, penetrate, and kill most soil dwelling pests.

BN will remain effective for about 2 years, but annual applications are recommended. Refrigerate if not using immediately (35-40 degrees).

BN will attack wintering adult insects, diapausing larvae, pupae, and grubs when in the soil, bark, or even ground litter.

BN do not affect humans, animals, or plants. They are completely compatible with beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and Praying mantids and do not harm earthworms.

Application Directions

There are 3 forms of treatment on how to apply the Beneficial Nematodes (BN). Find your pest on the list at the bottom, and then use the recommended treatment number.

#1 TOPDRESSING: Mix the entire contents of the container with 1/2 to 1 gallon cold water. Stir well and let stand for 1/2 hour. Then stir the contents again and add 5 to 6 quarts of peat moss, vermiculite or sandy humus.

Apply the mixture directly to affected areas. For all new plants and transplants, apply to the root area. The Nematodes must be applied after sundown because sunlight will destroy them. Water the soil thoroughly after the application because the Nematodes travel best in soil with a high moisture content.

#2 SPRAYING: Mix the entire contents of the container with 1/2 to 1 gallon cold water, stir well and let stand for 1/2 hour. Water the area to be treated before application. Use a pump sprayer, hose sprayer, or watering can. The coarsest or highest rate setting must be used to reduce any damage to the Nematodes.

The mixture must be stirred again before pouring into the sprayer, filtering out the carrier as you go (Use a kitchen strainer or a piece of window screen.) Add the left over carrier to your soil. Always agitate the water while spraying and before pouring because the BN sink to the bottom.

The Nematodes must be applied after sundown because sunlight will destroy them. Water the soil thoroughly after the application because the Nematodes travel best in soil with a high moisture content.

#3 INJECTION: Mix the entire contents of the container with 1/2 gallon cold water. Stir well and let stand for 1/2 hour. Strain out the carrier (use a kitchen strainer or a piece of window screen), use the carrier in the soil, and let stand for another 1/2 hour. This allows most of the BN to sink to the bottom. Pour away the top water, saving the last pint.

Use an eye dropper or squeeze bottle to inject about a tablespoon of liquid into the burrow. Seal the hole if possible.

PEST USE NUMBERS BELOW TO SELECT TREATMENT ABOVE

Artichoke Moth Larvae (2) Spray Artichoke heads
Black Currant Borers (2) Spray cuttings or bushes
Black Vine Weevils (1) add to potting soil or hoe into soil
Cabbage Root Maggots (1) Put on roots or in seed furrows
Carpenter Worms (3) Inject burrows
Codling Moth Larvae (2) Spray tree trunks in Spring, Summer or Fall
Corn Earworms (2) Spray or (3) inject silks weekly
Corn Rootworms (1) Apply in seed furrows
Cucumber Beetles (1) Apply in seed furrows or mix in mulch
Cutworms (1) Apply into mulch and keep moist
Flea Larvae (2) Spray on soil or lawns and keep moist
Flea Beetles (1) Apply in seed furrows or mix in mulch
Fungus Gnat Larvae (1) Mix into potting soil
Gypsy Moth Larvae (2) Spray onto lawns
Japanese Beetles (2) Spray on lawns or (1) Mix into mulch
Mole Crickets (1) Apply to burrows and keep moist
Onion Maggots (1) Apply to furrows
Poplar Clearwing Borers (3) Inject burrows
Raspberry Crown Borers (1) Mix into soil near base
Sod Webworms (2) Spray onto sod and keep moist
Strawberry Weevils (1) Mix into soil and/or apply to roots
Tobacco Budworms (2) Spray or (3) inject flower buds weekly
Weevils (1) Mix into mulch or on transplant roots
White Grubs (2) Spray or (1) Mix into soil
Wireworms (1) Apply to seed furrows or transplant roots