Steinernema carpocapsae - Beneficial Nematodes for Soil Pests

Description Life Cycle Use in Biological Control Application Rates Instructions for Use The beneficial nematode Steinernema carpocapsae is lethal to pests yet safe for plants, people and pets. This biological control agent is somewhat sedentary and tends to remain near the soil surface to 'ambush' its host. Works best between temperatures of 72-82F. Controls shore fly, billbugs, cutworms, army worms, webworms, wood-borers and other lepidopterous larvae.  A complete life cycle takes 12 to 15 days at room temperature. 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. 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 a