Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
Beneficial Nematode

Target Pest:
Weevils, Beetle grubs, Japanese beetle, Masked chaffers, May/June beetles, Black vine weevil, various white grubs, Banana weevil, Bill bug, Colorado Potato beetle, Cucumber beetle, Sweetpotato weevil, Asparagus beetle, Carrot weevil, Banana moth, Citrus root weevil group, Sugarcane stalk borer, Various tree and vine borers, Bagworms, Flea beetle, Flea and over 200 other species. Our nematodes control the grubs or immature stages of the above listed pests.

Description:
This is one of the oldest known and best of the insect parasitic nematodes.

Product information:
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora is packaged on a sponge without dehydration and without the use of unacceptable solvents, preservatives, or inhibitors making this product suitable for use in organic and conventional gardening and farming. The sponge formulation has the advantage that the nematodes can be easily removed from the sponge into water and applied using a conventional garden sprayer, a watering can, a hose-end sprayer, or introduced through closed irrigation systems (not soaker hoses). Our nematodes are produced in natural insect hosts, not artificial media. The nematodes and formulations we use meet organic standards making them suitable for use in organic gardening and farming.

Release Rates:
5 million - 2,000 sq. ft lawn - Nematodes are best released in the evening.
First - pre-water the area to be treated.
Second - apply nematodes.
Third - water after application.
Fourth - return to normal watering.

Lifespan:
H. bacteriophora enters the host and kills it within 24 to 48 hours. It then reproduces within the host and searches for new hosts which provides long-term control.

Strategic Considerations:
Pesticides may adversely affect nematode survival. Broad-spectrum insecticides are toxic to nematodes.