Biological Control of Insect Pests in Soil
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms found living naturally in most soils. Many species of nematodes exist and each has a unique purpose in nature. Nematode species produced by SEI are used to attack and kill larvae of certain soil dwelling insect pests. These pests include, larvae of white grubs, Japanese beetles, root weevils, small hive beetles, armyworms, cutworms, fleas, clear-winged moths, and fungus gnats. Nematodes are highly effective against these pests but they are safe to handle and do not attack humans, pets, wildlife, or plants. Also they pose no threat to the environment and are exempt from registration and regulation by EPA and FDA.
Beneficial nematodes are used by applying them to the soil while suspended in water. They may be applied as a pressurized spray or simply poured from a watering can. Nematodes applied to soil burrow downward in search of insect pests. Once found, nematodes enter the body of the insect and release a powerful bacterium which quickly kills the pest. Released bacteria dissolve the internal tissues of the insect which becomes food for nematode growth and development. Matured nematodes then mate and lay eggs to produce more nematodes within the dead insect. Several such generations may occur over just a few days. After the inside of an insect is consumed, tiny infective stage nematodes leave the dead insect shell and begin searching for more pests. As many as 350,000 nematodes may emerge from a single dead insect after only 10-15 days. Numbers depend on insect size.
Beneficial nematodes are an important method of pest control used by home owners, organic food producers, or others who just want to reduce the use of toxic chemical pesticide.
SEI produces and markets beneficial nematodes carried on gel contained in small plastic pouches. Most users separate the gel from the nematodes by filling the plastic pouch with water and then pouring nematodes and gel into a tea strainer and collecting water with nematodes in a pail located beneath. The gel is discarded and the pail of water with nematodes is further diluted for application to the soil. One SEI plastic pouch of 5 million nematodes is adequate for treating an area of 210 sq ft. (21 ft. x 10 ft.). For bee keepers one package is adequate for treating soil around 10 hives.
SEI H. indica Retail Price List - 2017
5 million nematodes...........1 package................$25.00
10 million nematodes.........2 packages..............$44.80
25 million nematodes.........5 packages..............$94.00
Required rate of application of nematodes
Area (sq. ft.) No. of nematodes required
♦ Several species of nematodes are available.
♦ It is important that the proper species is used against a specific pest.
♦ Customers are encouraged to call SEI for proper match-up. SEI limits the shelf life on H.I. to no more than 28 days.
♦ When temperatures exceed 89 degrees F, an insulated box and cold pack will be included at additional cost.
SEI requires 12-14 days to produce fresh nematodes and we appreciate advanced orders to shorten shelf life.