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Good garden soil teems with life and activity.
What goes on beneath the soil constitutes an entire ecosystem with microorganisms, insects, and invertebrates.
Beneficial nematodes can help rid your garden of some common insect pests.
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What Are Nematodes?
Both types are parasitic and thrive in the moist environment surrounding plant roots.
The key difference is that root-knot nematodesMeloidogyne sppdamage plants by invading and corrupting the plant’s root system.
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Beneficial nematodesthe two most common beingSteinernema carpocapsaeandHeterorhabditis bacteriophoraare a natural, environmentally friendly method for eradicating soil-born insect pests.
These species help break down organic elements in soil and make nutrients available to plants.
Many species are being studied to learn about and understand how they improve and benefit soil.
Each species targets specific insect pests with some overlap.
Plenty of common garden insect pests live or produce underground.
Beneficial nematodes seek out potential hosts by detecting the pest’s chemical signature and destroying them.
The lifespan of a beneficial nematode is about two weeks.
Beneficial nematodes are effective as pest control only during the third stage of their life cycle.
They can be stored for several months at 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long they can be refrigerated depends on the species.
Once they are mixed with water they can’t be stored or saved for future use.
Ask your supplier for storage information and expiration date if one isn’t listed.
Beneficial nematodes may come on a sponge, in a gel, granulated, or as liquid.
Once the package is opened, use the entire contents.
Do not use expired beneficial nematodes which may emit an unpleasant fishy smell.
Beneficial nematodes are expensive.
They have a short shelf life and are sensitive to environmental conditions.
Nematodes for Pest Control.
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health
