There are hundreds of grub types waiting to do their damage to lawns, fruits, veggies and ornamentals. There are also specific nematodes that are helpful for targeting certain pests. But what if you're not sure what type of pest you have? Or maybe you're dealing with several pests. In cases like this, it's best to rely on Garden Army Nematodes. They control a broad range of common garden pests and are even a great solution for getting rid of fire ants!
What are Nematodes? Nematodes are microscopic, beneficial predatory worms that hunt down and kill pest insects but pose no threat to people, pets or plants. They won't harm beneficial insects, either. They're an environmentally friendly, non-chemical solution to get rid of grubs and many other soil-dwelling pests.
Application Rates. 5 million nematodes will cover 200 sq. ft; 10 million nematodes will cover 400 sq. ft. Reduce coverage area by half for heavy infestations. Only infested areas need to be spot treated, and it's a good idea to extend treatment a couple of feet beyond the infested area. There is no need to treat non-infested areas as grubs tend to return to the same area year after year.
Pests Controlled. There are a variety of beneficial nematodes, and while more than one type can control several of the same pest insects, some nematode varieties are better suited for controlling certain pests. Garden Army Nematodes are effective at controlling a very broad spectrum of soil-dwelling pests including: Armyworms, Banana Root Borers, Black Currant Borers, Black Vine Weevils, Cabbage Root Maggots, Carpenterworms, Codling Moth Larvae, Corn Earworms, Corn Rootworms, Crane Fly Larvae, Cucumber Beetle Larvae, Cutworms, Dogwood Borers, Fire Ants, Flea Beetle Larvae, Flea Larvae/Pupae, Fungus Gnat Larvae, Gypsy Moth Larvae, Iris Borers, Japanese Beetle Larvae, Mole Crickets, Onion Maggots, Peach Tree Borers, Pine Weevils, Poplar Clearwing Borers, Raspberry Crown Borers, Root Knot Nematodes, Shore Flies, Sod Webworms, Strawberry Weevils, Sweet Potato Weevils, Thrips, Tobacco Budworms, White Grubs and Wireworms. (Garden Army Nematodes are best suited for pests in bold.)
Effectiveness. Garden Army Nematodes can be applied anytime the soil is not frozen, but become active at soil temperatures of 55°F or above. Nematodes are most effective at controlling grubs in the spring and fall. Once they're applied, look for the adult pest population to begin dwindling in 1-2 weeks. Garden Army Nematodes kill pests at the larval and pupal stages, so they'll prevent future pest populations once the adults die off.
Nematodes are packaged with diatomaceous earth (which is mostly silica), water, and potassium sorbate.
