Beneficial nematodes are microscopic roundworms that actively hunt and kill soil-dwelling pest larvae — grubs, flea larvae, fungus gnat larvae, and more. They're living biological weapons that you water into your lawn or garden. Completely safe for humans, pets, earthworms, and plants.
White grubs (Japanese beetle, June bug, chafer larvae), flea larvae in soil, fungus gnat larvae, crane fly larvae (leatherjackets), sod webworm, cutworms, root weevil larvae, shore fly larvae, black vine weevil. Two main types: Steinernema (ambush predators, surface pests) and Heterorhabditis (cruising predators, deep soil pests like grubs).
NemAttack (BioLogic), Scanmask (BioLogic), Grub Busters, NemaSeek (Arbico Organics), Millenium (Becker Underwood), Guardian (Koppert). Available mail-order — they're LIVING organisms shipped in moist media. Must be refrigerated and used promptly.
Completely non-toxic to humans, pets, earthworms, birds, and plants. They ONLY parasitize pest insects. Cannot survive in warm-blooded animals. No PPE needed. No re-entry interval. Safe for organic gardening (OMRI listed).
Critical — timing and conditions: Apply in late afternoon or evening (UV kills them). Soil must be moist — water before AND after application. Soil temperature must be above 55°F for Steinernema, above 60°F for Heterorhabditis. Keep soil moist for 2 weeks after application.
Which species? For grubs: Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) — these are the "cruisers" that hunt deep. For fleas/fungus gnats: Steinernema feltiae (Sf) — ambush predators near the surface. For both: apply a mix.
Storage: Refrigerate immediately upon receipt (35-40°F). Use within 2 weeks. These are LIVING organisms — they die if stored at room temperature or in direct sunlight.