Nematode Quick Guide
Nematodes
are too small to hug, but they deserve it. Use the following guide to find which
kind you need. Please read the application instructions carefully to get the
most out of these amazing microscopic worms. If you have a variety of pests,
give them the old one-two punch with the Hb/Sc and Hb/Sf combinations.
If you have... | use this nematode... | because... | and apply as follows... |
|
Hb nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) | they patrol the soil to a depth of 7", looking for deep soil dwellers, such as white grubs |
Ideally wait until the soil warms up to around 68º F, although Hb nematodes will still work but more slowly at cooler temperatures. Apply nematodes when the pest you're trying to conrol is an active larva (when the larva becomes a bug, it's too late and you'll have to wait until the next generation hatches). Example, in the Northeast, Japanese beetle grubs feed actively during two periods: late April-early June and late Aug-early Oct. If you're not sure when to apply, check with the nematode experts at the University of Ohio. |
|
Sc nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) | they stay on the surface waiting to ambush soil surface dwellers such as flea larvae |
Ideally wait until the soil warms up to around 70-80º F, although Sc nematodes will still work but more slowly at cooler temperatures. Apply nematodes when the pest you're trying to control is an active larva (when the larva becomes a bug, it's too late and you'll have to wait until the next generation hatches). Example, in the Northeast, Japanese beetle grubs feed actively during two periods: late April-early June and late Aug-early Oct. If you're not sure when to apply, check with the nematode experts at the University of Ohio. |
|
Sf nematodes
(Steinernema
feltiae) |
they patrol the top 3" of the soil and
especially like fly larvae |
Sf can tolerate much cooler temperatures. You can apply Sf when the soil is as cool as 50º F.
Apply
nematodes when the pest is an active larva (when the larva becomes a bug, it's
too late and you'll have to wait until the next generation hatches).
Example, in the Northeast, Japanese beetle grubs feed actively during
two periods: late April-early June and late Aug-early Oct. If you're not
sure when to apply, check with the nematode experts at the
University of Ohio. |