Beneficial Nematodes

These grub-seeking, miniature creatures provide a safe, non-chemical, natural pest control for healthier lawns and gardens.   They destroy many soil-dwelling garden pests including grubs (Japanese beetles and chafer beetles), cutworms, borers, and weevils.  But rest assured, they leave earthworms and beneficial insects alone.  Whew!  There are two types of beneficial nematodes sold for grub control – those that remain stationery and those that ‘swim’ through the soil seeking their prey.  A combination of both is ideal but if only one type is sold, the ‘swimmers’ (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) are said to be more effective. These are sprayed on infected lawn areas (no need to spray the entire lawn) during cooler morning or evening hours (photo from their web site).  A rainy day is even better!  Gardens Alive, a terrific mail-order company that carries only environmentally-safe products, sells these nematodes as well as other topnotch products.  Their web site, http://www.gardensalive.com/, provided much of this information.  Gardens Alive gives detailed information about beneficial nematodes and tips for applying them for the best results. Gardener’s Supply Company (http://www.gardeners.com/) also sells nematodes.