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.

When should you apply nematodes?

Nematodes should be applied when light levels are low. They are light sensitive, so apply them in the very early morning or at dusk.

Is there a downside to nematodes?

Most nematodes are harmless, but a handful of troublesome species attack the outside surfaces of plants, burrowing into the plant tissue and causing root, stem, folar and even flower damage. Other nematodes live inside the plants for part of their lives, causing damage from the inside out.

When should I apply nematodes to my lawn?

Nematodes are most effective when the soil temperature reaches about 15C. This is weather dependent year to year but it is usually around mid May. When you see them available in your local garden centers, it is the correct time to apply them, not before.

Can you apply too many nematodes?

Additionally, if you apply at high enough levels you can often get away with just one application per season rather than needing to reapply once some of the nematodes die off (depending on a number of factors including temperature, pest population and soil conditions).

What is the best time of year to treat for grubs?

Treating in late summer or early fall is ideal, as that is when the smaller, young grubs are most susceptible to nematodes. There is also usually a short window for application in early spring before the grubs get too big and pupate, but that is a narrower window and can be difficult to time properly.

Can I use nematodes in a vegetable garden?

With warmer weather and moist soils, fruit and vegetables should be growing well in the garden. … Apply the nematode solution as a drench to moist soil or as a spray as soon as the pest is spotted and repeat through the growing season as directed on the instructions.

Should I cut the grass before applying nematodes?

Prior to applying the nematodes: Cut the grass short before treatment. Soil should be between 10°C and 30°C during application and for at least two weeks after. Irrigate the area to be treated prior to application in order to apply the nematodes to a moist lawn.

How do you tell if nematodes are working?

Using a spade or shovel, turn up the ground where nematodes were applied, to check for dead larvae. Once you have seen dead larvae, this tells you that the nematodes are working.

Can nematodes damage plants?

Root-knot nematodes attack the roots of plants causing distinct knots, swellings, or galls to form on the infected roots (figure 5). … Root damage caused by nematodes can result in yellowing of leaves on infected plants. Figure 5. Root damage caused by nematodes can result in stunting of infected plants.

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Are nematodes good for your lawn?

Beneficial nematodes are so effective, they can work in the soil to kill the immature stages of garden pests before they become adults. Beneficial nematodes infest grubs and other pest insects that are known to destroy lawns and plants.

How do you tell if nematodes are good or bad?

If you see signs of stunting, loss of vigor, reduced yield, or unusual growths or damage on roots, consider that you may have a pest nematode infestation. Contact your local extension to get more information about what kind may be an issue in your area and what control measures are recommended.

How long do nematodes last in the soil?

Beneficial Nematodes have a two month shelf life if refrigerated. However, they can live in the soil, at levels high enough to control pest insects, for around 18 months.

How soon can I fertilize after applying nematodes?

Because of its high nitrogen content, fertilizer can reduce nematode effectiveness. Manufacturers recommend that fertilizers not be used two weeks prior to and after nematode application.

How often should you apply nematodes?

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.

Are nematodes harmful to tomatoes?

Tomato plants can be susceptible to root-knot nematodes, which are microscopic, roundworms that inhabit the soil. Root-knot nematodes are parasitic nematodes, meaning they infect and feed on plants. Besides root-knot nematodes, there are numerous other types of non-parasitic nematodes that inhabit the soil.

What is the difference between nematodes and beneficial nematodes?

There is no immunity to the bacteria nematodes use on their insect hosts. However, beneficial insects are often more active than parasitic species, and therefore evade the nematodes and are unaffected. Beneficial nematodes tolerate the tools gardeners use, such as insecticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, well.

Can you mix nematodes with nutrients?

Nematodes are compatible with a number of different pesticides; however, they are generally not compatible with organophosphates, carbamates, nematicides, and hydrogen dioxide. Do not mix nematodes with your fertilizer solution.

How do you introduce nematodes?

By putting in compost, manures and mulches, you can encourage beneficial nematodes to attack the pest species. And practice crop rotation. Don’t make life easy for nematodes by planting the same crops in the same soil, year in, year out.

How long does it take for nematodes to work?

How fast do the nematodes work? Under optimum conditions, a nematode can kill an insect in 24-48 hours.

Will grass come back after grub damage?

If you have patches of dead grass that show up in the fall or spring, they are likely caused by grubs. Grub counts from six to 10 or more per square foot can damage and kill grass. … It is best to repair your grub-damaged lawn in the fall or early spring to restore it to its green glory. Remove dead grass with a rake.

Is it too late for GrubEx?

The best time to apply GrubEx is late spring to early summer. … You may see some reduced control with an application in late summer, however reducing your grub population this fall and next spring would be better than doing nothing. It is best not to apply to waterlogged soils.

Do I need grub control every year?

Grub control measures need to be taken on annual basis to work consistently. Skipping a year may be fine, but if any beetles have laid their eggs in your lawn’s soil over the course of that last year, you can be looking at a seriously damaged lawn by mid-fall.

Do you need to refrigerate nematodes?

Beneficial nematodes are living organisms, so proper transport and storage are of utmost importance to ensure the nematodes are alive and well and ready to hunt down and kill pest insects upon application. … Both formulations need to be refrigerated to ensure the nematodes remain alive and active.

Can you see nematodes without a microscope?

Many of them will just be visible without magnification, but others will only be seen with a good magnifying lens or microscope. Or, if you catch a fish, bird, or mammal, dissect out its stomach or intestine, in most cases you will find some nematodes living there.

Will fertilizer affect nematodes?

All fertilizers will affect Nematodes in some capacity. Fertilizers that contain high levels of nitrogen will weaken Nematodes and reduce their effectiveness. High nitrogen fertilizers make the ground inhospitable for Nematode growth and development for two weeks from the time of application.

Can I apply nematodes in spring?

In general, you can apply nematodes in early spring once the soil is no longer frozen. … Water the area to be treated well both before and after nematode application. Also, be sure to keep nematodes refrigerated until you are ready to use them, and apply by the “use by” date.

What time of day should you apply nematodes?

It’s a good idea to apply your nematodes during low light periods (morning or evening are best). It is very important that you mix and apply your nematodes quickly so they don’t ‘expire’ in the can. You want to insure the nematodes have a chance to get into the soil before the water is evaporated.

How much nematodes do I need?

BioLogic recommends 13,000-35,000 nematodes per square foot. This number varies a bit depending on the pest, so check out our website or contact us for specific application rates for your pest. Our recommendation is based on our research, and the research of reputable institutions like Cornell University.

Are nematodes bad for soil?

Soil-dwelling nematodes are the most common culprits, but some species can damage plant roots, stems, foliage, and flowers. No matter where they feed, these tiny worms can seriously damage to crops with their sharply pointed mouths by puncturing cell walls.

Are nematodes worth it?

Beneficial nematodes as pest control will attack soil borne insect pests with no harmful effects on earthworms, plants, animals, or humans, making it an environmentally friendly solution. … Beneficial nematodes have a lifecycle consisting of egg, four larval stages, and an adult stage.