Beneficial nematodes

Parasitic nematodes Adult nematode Beneficial nematodes are naturally occurring organisms and are not harmful to humans, pets, wildlife, birds, soil, earthworms, water sources or the atmosphere. Nematodes migrate through the soil finding insect larvae by detecting either a slight increase in temperature or release of methane gas.  The infective juvenile nematodes enter the larvae and release a symbiotic bacteria that within days, kills the host. The nematodes feed on the bacteria and the decomposed host tissue where they reproduce until numbers drive them out to find a new host. Nematodes are effective against over 250 species of pest insects. In field crops they infect and kill caterpillars, cutworms, grubs, root worms, wire worms and other pests. For greenhouses they are particularly effective against fungus gnats, and aid in the control of pupating thrips in the soil. Orchard pest control is enhanced against codling moth and Lepidopteran pests, including those that bore into tree bark or are in the soil during various stages of their life cycle. For turf and lawns, nematodes are particularly effective against cranefly larva, June bug larva and other turf damaging grubs. Application:  Nematodes arrive on a damp sponge within a plastic bag, these strains are not highly perishable, but storage decreases their viability, if not used immediately you can refrigerate up to one week. Do Not Freeze. The sponge is warmed to room temperature then soaked in at least one gallon of room temperature [non-chlorinated] water for an additional half-hour. Rinse remaining nematodes from sponge. Apply using either a watering can or a sprayer. If a sand filter is on sprayer, remove before application.  Do not apply in full sunlight. Nematodes are best applied during periods of cool, cloudy weather or in the evening of early spring or late summer when the danger of frost has passed. For large applications nematodes come in plastic flask in a clay medium with instructions.