What Nematodes Should I Buy?

So, you have decided to use beneficial nematodes in the treatment of your pest problems. But now you are faced with determining where to buy your nematodes, how many nematodes to buy, or if it even matters. Considering the writers of this blog work for a nematode supplier, you may have an idea where this is going, but we hope the following serves as a truly informational and factual nematode buying guide.

What to consider when buying nematodes

Where are your nematodes actually coming from?

The first thing to consider in selecting your nematode supplier is where (geographically) they are coming from, and who is selling them. When buying a perishable and microscopic product, you certainly want to make sure you choose a reputable supplier. Many suppliers are actually re-sellers of nematodes, meaning they don't actually produce the product you are purchasing. So why does that matter? Nematodes are perishable little guys, especially before they create a nice cozy home for themselves in your soil. Shipping stresses them, and can even kill many of them if they are not adequately packaged or if they end up in transit too long. Buying from a re-seller could mean you are purchasing nematodes that have spent too much time in shipment or storage, resulting in many fewer living nematodes than you paid for. Unfortunately, without a microscope most customers don't even have the ability to check whether their product is living or dead. BioLogic is a nematode producer with years of experience shipping live nematodes. We are experts on selecting the type of shipment that will ensure your nematodes arrive intact and alive, at a fair price. And being the producer, the nematodes start out without any earlier stress from shipment.

How many nematodes do I need?

The next thing to consider is the number of active units (aka infective juvenile nematodes) you need to effectively treat your garden or lawn. As nematodes become more popular, there are an increasing number of nematode suppliers out there making all sorts of promises. They employ creative marketing techniques and oftentimes exaggerate application rates. BioLogic recommends about 25,000 nematodes per square foot, whatever pest you are treating. The "How much do I need?" calculator on each product page, like Scanmask Spray, shows which size fits your area. Our recommendation is based on our research, and the research of reputable institutions like Cornell University.

In an effort to sell more nematodes, many companies exaggerate their application rates. They will claim that lesser amounts of nematodes will treat a larger area. Or, they will (in small print) tell you to reapply every 2 weeks. Who has time for that? When comparing prices, remember to compare the number of active nematodes in each package as well. You are not getting a great deal if the product you buy doesn't actually have enough nematodes to take care of pests in the size garden you are treating. BioLogic's advice is if the company can't give you the correct application rate, stay away. Chances are they don't really know much about nematodes, and they are just trying to make a buck on customers that don't know better. And if they don't list the number of nematodes on the package... stay far, far away. If you try to spread too few nematodes over too large a space, you are not likely to have very good results and may be inclined to go back to potentially harmful chemicals.

Where to buy nematodes?

Wherever you buy, make sure the nematodes have been kept refrigerated the whole time and are marked with a use-by date. Live nematodes need a bit more tender loving care than most garden products.

The simplest way to get fresh nematodes is to buy directly from BioLogic, the producer, on our website. Your order ships straight from us to your door.

We sincerely hope this guide helps you navigate the world of nematodes and choose a reputable supplier. BioLogic wants people to have a good experience and realize success with nematodes, and we certainly hope this guide helps! As always, if you have any questions feel free to explore our website or contact us.