Nematodes are an all-natural living organism harmless to humans and pets. These microscopic organisms occur naturally in the soil.
The life cycle of nematodes consists of eggs, four larval stages and the adults. The third larval stage is when they are most effective at controlling targeted insects. In order to be effective, the soil must be kept moist for several weeks following applications.
How do nematodes work?
Nematodes search out susceptible hosts and enter them through the natural body openings of grubs and cutworm. Once inside, the host is infected with a bacterium that causes death to the host within 24-48 hours.
When do I apply nematodes?
Typically, there are two windows of time to apply nematodes, in the spring and early fall.
The key is applying them when the soils warm up enough for the grub larvae to move towards the upper soil. However, they have much more efficacy in the early fall because white grubs will be in their early larval stages. Spring grub infestation is harder to control. During this time, the white grubs are in their last stage of growth before becoming a scarab beetle and are much more resistant to nematode applications.
