NemaTEC
Safety
Your yard is a retreat of fun and relaxation for your pet. Fetching a ball. Chasing a squirrel. Sniffing every corner. Napping in the sun, These idyllic moments can stay that way by using beneficial nematodes on your lawn and garden. Beneficial nematodes are harmless to humans, pets and plants as well as honeybees, earthworms, and lady bugs and other useful organisms.
Environment
Beneficial nematodes do not have any negative impact on ground water, no residue and no protective clothing is required. This permits immediate field re-entry.
Resistance
Resistance is never an issue with beneficial nematodes. When a beneficial nematode comes across an insect larva, the nematode slips in through the mouth or another opening. It bores a hole into the insects circulatory system and enters it. In about 24 hours, the insect is dead.
(Photo) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora beneficial nematode - courtesy of Koppert-US
Sprayer
World's best sprayer for beneficial nematodes - The Jacto DJB - 16 four gallon sprayer with air blown venturi agitation will not cause any damage to beneficial nematodes. In fact, selective spraying with a backpack sprayer targets insects more precisely. The suggested retail price for the 4-gal DJB-16 sprayer is $429.99 at Sprayer Depot (800) - 228-0905. Be sure to select the third pressure setting and use the drench (wide) tip for best results.
Conclusion
The following quote is used by written permission from the author, Richard Buckley, Director of the Plant Diagnostics Laboratory at Rutgers. "The efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes appears quite good and, if used in an integrated program, can be effective as an insecticide. I would like to see more superintendents try them for both white grub issues and their annual bluegrass weevils."