beneficial nematodes indoor plants Steinernema feltiae Nematodes - Fungus Gnat & Thrips ControlSteinernema feltiae are beneficial nematodes that infect fungus gnats and thrips , active between 50 88F. Description Steinernema feltiae are beneficial nematodes used to control fungus gnats and western flower thrips in the soil. Nematodes are safe for plants, people and pets and are an organic solution in place of harmful pesticides. S. feltiae are active in cooler weather and will survive and infect hosts in temperatures as low as 50F. Life Cycle A

Steinernema feltiae are beneficial nematodes that infect fungus gnats and thrips , active between 50-88°F.

Description

Steinernema feltiae are beneficial nematodes used to control fungus gnats and western flower thrips in the soil. Nematodes are safe for plants, people and pets and are an organic solution in place of harmful pesticides. S. feltiae are active in cooler weather and will survive and infect hosts in temperatures as low as 50°F.

Life Cycle

A complete life cycle takes 12 to 15 days at room temperature. Media temperatures should be above 50°F but not more than 88°F. Optimum media temperatures are between 60-70F. The nematodes enter the insect pest through body openings. Once inside they reproduce and release a symbiotic bacterium which is toxic to the host. The pests are killed within a few days and a second generation of infective juvenile nematodes exit the host and begin the cycle again. Use beneficial nematodes as part of an IPM program.

Entomopathogenic nematodes are supplied as infective juveniles, which are usually applied as a soil drench. Not all nematodes are alike. They specialize in which pests they attack and kill and are effective at different temperatures. 

Application Rates

Beneficial nematodes come in two forms. Sponges that are pre-inoculated with infective juveniles in quantities of 1 million, 6 million and 24 million. Generally, in a greenhouse setting, apply these beneficial nematodes at a rate of 1 million per 1,000 sq. ft. The sponge product has a completely unique application rate as the bacterial level is much higher because they are produced in vivo. 

Sponges - Nematodes from Sierra Biological are packed on a sponge of pure cellulose wood fiber that is hydrated with water for shipping. The sponges do not go into the crop, only the nematodes, once they have been mixed with water. 

Trays - contain 50 million or 250 million. Release every 2-3 weeks at a rate of 50 million/1100 sq. ft. or every 4-6 weeks at a rate of 50 million/550 sq. ft.  Use 30-50 gallons of water/1000 sq. ft. for applications onto soil or growing media. Some of these are certified organic. 

Instructions for Use

Apply nematodes with a sprayer, injector, hose end sprayer or even a watering can. Plug trays can be dipped in a nematode solution. If using an injector, set the dilution to 1:100. It is important to remove all filters or screens (50 mesh or finer) in any spray lines so that the nematodes can pass through unimpeded and undamaged.

Keep spray pressure below 300 psi. For every square foot you will need .66 gallons of water as the carrier. Saturate soil or potting media to a depth of 2". See Nematode Tech Sheet for further information. Broad spectrum pest control without toxic chemicals. Shipped fresh and quality guaranteed. 

Beneficial Nematode Tech Sheet 

Orders for Beneficial Nematodes must be received by noon on Friday for shipment the following week.  If the deadline is past, please call us and we will help you find a solution ASAP (360) 656-6680. See order deadlines and shipping and  release instructions for more information.