NemaTEC
Selective Spraying & Biological Control
The best method to apply beneficial nematodes to lawns and turf is through selective spraying. By monitoring the lawn in advance to determine the presence and population levels of insects, you can save time and money by treating only those areas that have a pest problem.
The insect-parasitic nematodes Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) and Steinernema carpocapsae (Sc) can be used to control larval stages of several turfgrass insect pests. They are also the most effective biological control option for curative control of insects.
Preparation of the Solution
- Remove the packet of 50 million Hb nematodes or 50 million Sc nematodes from the box and keep them for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Empty the contents of the packet into a bucket of water containing at least 2 quarts. The water should be between 59 - 68 degrees F.
- Stir well and leave the contents to soak for five minutes.
- Mix again and pour the contents into the half-filled 4-gallon DJB-16 sprayer.
- Maintain agitation of mixture in the tank.
- Fill the spray tank with the required amount of water to a fully filled tank (4 gallons).
- 4-gallons of water will cover 2,000 sq. ft.
Surface Pests
Directions for applying Sc nematodes for surface pests and Hb nematodes for subsurface pests.
- If not using the 4-gallon DJB sprayer, all filters/screens should be removed to avoid blockage.
- Continuous mixing should take place to prevent nematodes sinking to the bottom of the tank.
- Distribute the spray soluton evenly over the soil surface.
- Spray the solution as soon as it is prepared and within a short timeframe. Do not store mixed suspensions.
Beneficial Nematodes
The following points should be followed when applying beneficial nematodes:
- Apply nematodes during the early morning or late evening when lethal sunlight is minimal.
- Apply nematodes to moist soil, never soil that is hot and dry. Pre-irrigate with at least 1/4 inch of water before applying nematodes if soil is dry.
- Apply nematodes when soil temperature is between 60-85 degrees F.
- Apply at least 1/4 inch of irrigation immediately after applying nematodes to help move them into the soil.
Expected Results
If properly applied and environmental conditions are favorable, beneficial nematodes will provide insect control comparable to most insecticides. However, beneficial nematodes require 2-5 days to kill most insects and the speed to kill depends on soil temperature. High soil temperature (above 90 degrees F) could be lethal, low soil temperatures (below 50 degrees F) will slow nematode activity. A second application about 2-3 weeks after the first will enhance control.
Target Pests
Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes control:
Annual Bluegrass weevil
Armyworms
Bluegrass billbug
Hunting billbug
Black cutworm
Dog/cat flea larvae
European Crane fly
Mole crickets
Sod webworms
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes control:
Black turfgrass ataenius
European chafer
Green June beetle
Japanese beetle
May/June beetles
Northern masked chafer
Southern masked chafer
Southwest masked chafer
Western masked chafer