Frequently asked questions about nematodes
Some have sworn by them for years, others have never heard of them: nematodes. These tiny nematodes are found all over the world and are among the most species-rich creatures of all. Some of them have the ability to control harmful insects in the home and garden. We produce and sell these nematodes as biological pesticides. Nematodes offer a natural solution to a variety of problems in both professional and hobby gardening. Here we answer the most frequently asked questions.
Nematodes (nema: Greek = thread) are tiny, thread-like soil organisms about 0.5 mm long. Alongside insects, they are one of the most species-rich multicellular organisms on earth. They are at home in every conceivable habitat. They can be found in the deep sea, in the summit regions of the Himalayas or even in the Siberian permafrost. Nematodes feed on plants, bacteria, fungi, their spores or other nematodes. Some nematode species are entomopathogenic, which means that they are the natural enemies of certain insects. Our plant protection products also work on the basis of these entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN).
Nematodes are approx. 0.5 cm long threadworms. After being spread in the soil, they seek out the pests to be controlled or their larvae and penetrate them through the body openings. There the nematodes secrete a symbiotic bacterium that kills the pests. The nematodes feed on the dead larvae and multiply inside them. As soon as the host is consumed, the nematodes look for a new victim and the process begins again. This process is repeated until the nematodes find no more pests.
In the wild, entomopathogenic nematodes reproduce within the insect larvae that they parasitise in the soil. There they find exactly the conditions and nutrients they need to reproduce. These conditions are recreated in so-called bioreactors. Within the bioreactors, the nematodes reproduce over 10-14 days and multiply exponentially until they are ready for the ‘harvest’. This is adjusted precisely so that the young nematodes are in a permanent larval stage. This stage can be compared to a standby mode. Only when the nematodes are then released do they awaken from this state and develop their effect. You can get a more detailed insight in our video.
No. Nematodes only attack a few insect families, almost exclusively pests.
Our nematodes are also completely harmless to fish. You can apply our product right up to the edge of the pond without any problems
Our nematode products can be kept for up to 6 weeks if stored in a cool place (2-8° C). For the best effect, however, we recommend applying them as soon as possible after receipt.
No, the nematodes are completely harmless to humans and animals. They act specifically against the harmful insects. They die at temperatures above 32° C and are therefore unable to survive in the bodies of humans and mammals.
To date, approximately 40,000 different species of nematodes have been described, but estimates suggest that there are more than 1 million different species. This makes nematodes the most species-rich multicellular organisms on our planet and they can be found in all ecosystems. Researchers conducting a global study in 2019 estimated that there are approximately 57 billion nematodes for every human being.
Short answer: Both. Nematodes, also known as threadworms, are among the most species-rich multicellular organisms on our planet, with over 40,000 described species. Some nematode species are phytopathogenic, which means that they attack and damage plants by feeding on their roots. Other nematode species, on the other hand, are entomopathogenic and attack certain insect species. These nematodes (EPN) can be used as natural pest control agents and are therefore considered beneficial organisms. Our plant protection products work on the basis of these nematode species. These EPNs include the nematode species Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora.
The exact dosage and application depends on the product and the pest to be controlled. Basically, however, the application is always the same: the nematodes are stored in a mineral powder, which is mixed with water according to the instructions on the inside of the packaging. This nematode solution is then poured or sprayed onto the affected areas. You can find a detailed overview of the correct application of nematodes in our video here.
Many nematodes are compatible with biological and some chemical pesticides. Nevertheless, compatibility should be tested in advance. Fungicides, insecticides and disinfectants in particular can damage nematodes. If in doubt, always apply nematodes separately and observe a waiting period.
A detailed overview of the miscibility of nematodes can be found here:
Miscibility of nematodes
It is essential to ensure that the product is not applied in direct sunlight, as nematodes are sensitive to dehydration and UV radiation. It is best to apply the nematodes in the morning, evening, when the weather is overcast or raining. If the soil is dry, it should be watered before application. After application, watering the soil again will help the nematodes penetrate the soil.
As the nematodes can only move in moist soil, the soil must be kept moist and must not be allowed to dry out in the weeks following application.
The nematodes are simply mixed with water and poured or sprayed onto the soil or leaves of the affected plants. Detailed instructions can be found on the inside of the packaging or are included with the shipment as application instructions.
- Soil too dry (nematodes cannot move)
- Application at too high or too low temperatures
- Dosage too low
- Application in full sun
- Use of too fine filters in spraying equipment (nematodes get stuck)
- Too long storage after opening the packaging
- Application during the wrong time during the pest insect life cycle
The first effects are usually visible after 7-14 days when the pests die off. The full effect unfolds over several weeks, depending on the life cycle of the pest.
No, to date there is no known resistance of pests to entomopathogenic nematodes. This makes them particularly valuable for resistance management in integrated pest management.
Yes, nematodes are also suitable for small areas, raised beds, tubs and balcony gardens. There are special small packs for hobby gardeners. Application is simple and safe.
Yes, but in quantities too small to have a sufficient effect against the pests in the following year.
Yes, provided it has a nozzle with a diameter of at least 0.8 mm. All filters and sieves must be removed. It is important to stir or shake the nematode solution in the syringe every 10 minutes to prevent the nematodes from sinking to the bottom.
If you have previously applied fertiliser or other agents with the syringe, you should rinse it once with clean water before applying the nematodes.