Tip Top Bio-Control Technical Bulletin

Steinernema carpocapsae
Flea Exterminator

Target Pest:
Pet Fleas, Codling moth, German cockroach, Asian cockroach, American cockroach, Fruit fly, Armyworm, Beet armyworm, Cucumber beetle, Artichoke plume moth, Cutworms, Sod webworm, Black cutworm, Mole cricket, Corn earworm, Cotton bollworm, Tobacco budworm and Leaf miners.

Description:
Our nematodes can provide control of flea larvae and pupae in outdoor areas. Fleas found on dogs are actually "cat" fleas and are carried about the neighborhood through and over fences by roaming cats. We can gain control of fleas in the lawn or kennel by suppressing flea populations in the lawn and other areas frequented by the pet. Control of developing stages of fleas in lawn is a key component of a total flea pest management program. The nematode used to formulate Flea exterminator can, in addition to the control of fleas, be used to control the above pests.

Product information:
Flea Exterminator 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. of lawn - 2 applications per year, early spring and early fall. 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:
The nematode enters the host and kills it within 24 to 48 hours. It then reproduces within the host and searches for new hosts. This hunt and seek cycle provides long-term control.

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