Beneficial Nematodes Naturally Help to Control Yard Pests

In our post on lawn treatments and the risk of environmental toxins from synthetic chemicals, we talked about beneficial nematodes. 

We had a number of people ask us about beneficial nematodes so we made a video that tells you what nematodes are, how they can be used, which nematodes you may consider using, and how to apply them! 

You can have a beautiful lawn that is just as safe and non-toxic as 4-Legger USDA Organic Dog Shampoo! Learn more by watching the video! 

 

A thank you to Kentucky Organics for letting us film and use them in creating the video! 

What Are Beneficial Nematodes?

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic, naturally occurring roundworms that live in soil and moist environments. Unlike harmful nematodes that damage plant roots, these microscopic helpers target only pest insects - not your plants, pets, people, or beneficial insects like bees and earthworms.

These tiny organisms actively search for soil-dwelling pests such as grubs, flea larvae, fungus gnat larvae, cutworms, wireworms, and more. When they find a susceptible host, they enter through natural openings and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the insect within 24-48 hours. After the pest dies, the nematodes reproduce inside the body and then emerge to continue hunting pests.

Why Use Beneficial Nematodes in Your Yard

Beneficial nematodes offer a safe, eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides:

• 🌿 Targeted pest control: They focus on pest larvae in the soil without harming plants, people, pets, or pollinators.

• 🐛 Break pest life cycles: By killing pests in their soil stages, they reduce future infestations.

• 🌎 Environmental safety: They're a biological control agent that fits naturally into organic and low-toxicity gardening.

• 💧 Easy to apply: Beneficial nematodes come in refrigerated packages you mix with water and apply with a sprayer or watering can.

• 🧠 Compatible with other healthy practices: They can be used alongside mulching, composting, and other organic pest solutions.

How to Use Beneficial Nematodes Successfully

Here are best practices for applying nematodes:

1. Timing: Apply nematodes when target pests are in the larval or pupal stage - usually spring and early fall for many soil pests..

2. Soil conditions: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged before, during, and after application so nematodes can move and find hosts.

3. Avoid sunlight: Apply in the early morning or late afternoon or on cloudy days - beneficial nematodes are extremely sensitive to UV light and heat.

4. Follow product directions: Always mix and apply nematodes according to label instructions to ensure viability and coverage.

Many gardeners find that multiple applications spaced a week or two apart provide the most reliable control, especially for persistent soil pests.

What Pests Can They Help Control?

Beneficial nematodes are effective against a variety of common yard pests, including:

• Lawn grubs and beetle larvae

• Fungus gnat larvae in moist soil

• Flea larvae in shady lawn edges

• Cutworms around seedlings

• Wireworms and root maggots

By attacking pests at the soil stage - before they emerge and cause visible damage - nematodes help protect your yard proactively and naturally.