Tips for Using Beneficial Nematodes in the Summer

Now that summer is underway and temperatures are steadily rising, we are getting a lot of questions about how to effectively order, store, and apply beneficial nematodes in the heat. Beneficial nematodes are a great, natural, and effective option for controlling a wide variety of pest insects this time of year.

The ideal time to apply nematodes depends on the pest you're targeting. For white grubs, for example, the ideal time to apply is late summer or early fall, when the young grubs are most vulnerable to nematodes. However, many pests are well controlled with summer applications, such as fleas, sod webworms, and flea beetles.

Nematodes are perishable, and care should be taken to make sure they don't get too hot or too dry. We ship early in the week so they don't get stuck in transit over the weekend (see Shipping). We also ship all of our nematode products in insulated boxes with cold packs. The cold packs do not need to be cold when your shipment arrives: we have done extensive testing to make sure they keep the nematodes cool enough, long enough, that they arrive alive and ready to kill pest insects. However, be sure to put the nematodes in the refrigerator soon after delivery until you are ready to apply. Never put nematodes in the freezer!

It is especially important to protect your nematodes from sunlight and from drying out. We recommend you apply in the evening, to avoid exposing the nematodes to direct sunlight, and always water the application area well both before and after application. Regular watering is not usually needed, but you may want to water the area now and then if it is particularly hot and dry. Never let the application area dry out completely, especially in the first couple of weeks after application.

By following these simple tips, you can kill pest insects in the summer with beneficial nematodes, even in very hot and dry climates.

As always, happy gardening!