When they sense the temperature and carbon dioxide emissions of soil-borne insects, beneficial nematodes move toward their prey and enter the pest through its body openings. The bacteria is harmless to humans and other organisms and cannot live freely in nature. Several generations of nematodes may live and breed within the dead pest, they emerge and seek more pests in the soil. Beneficial nematodes are so effective, they can work in the soil to kill the immature stages of garden pests before they become adults. Beneficial nematodes infest grubs that are known to destroy crops.
Nematodes are easy to use.
Mix with water and spray or sprinkle on the soil along garden or crop rows or around larger plants such as tomatoes. Put the contents of nematodes in a bucket of water and stir to break up any lumps, and let the entire solution soak for a few minutes. Then carefully pour the nematodes into a second bucket or sprayer and use the spray solution immediately. The majority of the carrying material remains in the first bucket. Application can be made using a water-can, irrigation system, knapsack or sprayer.