This is safe, effective biological control for indoor and outdoor use. People, pet, and planet-safe, and trusted by professionals. Application is simple: mix the easy-release powder with water and apply like you're watering your plants, no special equipment required.
Grub, Beetle & Deep Soil Pest Control
Grubs, beetle larvae, and other sedentary soil pests can do serious damage before you ever see them, precisely because they don't move around much, which makes them hard for less-mobile predators to find. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (HB) solves that problem directly because it's an active "cruiser" nematode that ranges deeper into the soil profile than other species, reaching pests that stay buried well out of a surface predator's path.
Adaptable across a wide range of temperatures and conditions, HB is the most commonly used beneficial nematode in the catalog and is often considered the resiliency benchmark for the category.
What Are Beneficial Nematodes?
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic soil-dwelling organisms that target the young life stages of pest insects, such as larvae, grubs, nymphs, and pupae. HB uses a "cruiser" foraging strategy. It moves actively through the soil using volatile host cues to track down prey, rather than waiting for pests to come to it. That mobility (combined with ranging deeper into the soil than other species) is exactly why HB is the nematode of choice against white grubs and beetle larvae. Those pests feed on roots well below the surface, in the zone HB is built to reach and a surface-dwelling predator would never encounter.
What do Hb Nematodes Target?
Targets armyworms, cutworms, webworms, codling moth, Japanese beetles, cucumber beetles, white grubs, May/June beetles, scarabs, blister beetles, billbugs, black vine weevil, citrus weevil, borers (general, corn, grape root, peach tree, squash vine), crane flies, house flies, shore flies, ant queens and red fire ants, flea larvae and pupae, and termites — plus fall armyworm and tomato fruitworm in combination with Sc.
How It Works
The life cycle starts when female nematodes lay eggs, which hatch into non-feeding juveniles. These molt several times into hungry infective juveniles, which actively travel through the soil, enter a host, and release bacteria that kill it within a few days. Juveniles feed on the host and repeat the cycle as long as conditions remain suitable; once the food source is depleted, adults mate and females lay eggs, restarting the process.
When to Use Hb Nematodes?
Optimal application when soil temperature is between 65°F and 83°F
- Early Spring (Mar-Apr): Target overwintering pests once soil temperatures reach 42°F+
- Late Spring/Early Summer (May-Jun): Interrupt first-generation pests to prevent summer pest outbreaks
- Mid-Summer (Jul-Aug): Maintain control during peak pest activity
- Fall (Sept-Oct): Reduce next year's pest problems by applying nematodes before pests go into dormancy for winter
Application Rates
These are general starting points — actual application should be adjusted based on pest species, plant type, and infestation severity. Monitor pest and predator populations regularly to gauge how well the program is working.
| Application | Rate |
| Preventative/Light Infestation | 5 million nematodes per 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Moderate/Heavy Infestation | 5 million nematodes per 300 sq. ft. |
Soil Temperature & Moisture
- Optimal Soil temperature: 65°F - 83°F (General soil temperature 42°F-95°F)
- Hb needs consistently moist soil. Avoid drying out
- Keep soil moist for two weeks following application; avoid runoff
Application
Nematodes aren't a chemical, so effectiveness isn't reduced by the water volume used. Adjust concentration based on infestation severity and area size. Introduce indoors at any time, or outdoors in the morning, evening, or on a cloudy day; nematodes are sensitive to UV light, so direct sunlight should be avoided.
Application Instructions
- Prepare Soil — ensure soil is moist before application; dry soil prevents nematode movement.
- Activate/Mix Solution — mix nematodes with 59–69°F water; water volume depends on infestation level and treatment area size.
- Apply Evenly — distribute using a sprayer, watering can, or irrigation system.
- Keep Moist — water immediately after application and maintain soil moisture for 2 weeks; avoid runoff or waterlogging.
Watering Can or Pump Sprayer:
- Moisten the soil beforehand to improve habitat; avoid runoff.
- Mix nematodes with 1–5 gallons of water (59–69°F) to cover the desired area, diluting as needed for coverage.
- Apply the solution to the desired area — full, even coverage isn't necessary, since nematodes will move through the soil on their own. Use within 6 hours of activation.
- Water the treated area immediately after application, and keep soil moist for two weeks.
Hose-End Sprayer:
Use room-temperature water and let the nematode powder sit for 15 minutes to fully dissolve before spraying. Remove any screen filter first.
| 5 million | Add all nematodes to the reservoir, fill to the 5 gallon mark. Spray until empty. |
| 10 million | Add all nematodes to the reservoir, fill to the 10 gallon mark. Spray until empty. |
| 25 million | Divide in half. Fill reservoir to the 15-gallon mark, mix in one half, spray until empty. Repeat twice. |
| 50 million | Divide into thirds. Fill reservoir to the 15-gallon mark, mix in one third, spray until empty. Repeat three times. |
Other Hose-End Sprayers (dial-style):
Use room-temperature water and let the nematode powder sit for 15 minutes to fully dissolve before spraying. Remove any screen filter first.
| Package Size | Preventative/Light | Moderate/Heavy |
| 5 million | 4 oz | 8oz |
| 10 million | 4 oz | 8 oz |
| 25 million | 1.5 oz | 8 oz |
| 50 million | 4 tsp | 5 oz |
Pairing for Full-Spectrum Soil-Pest Control
HB nematodes work well alongside Hypoaspis miles for layered soil coverage. Nematodes work deeper in the soil profile targeting grubs and beetle larvae, while Hypoaspis miles patrol the surface layer for fungus gnats and thrips pupae. For broader soil-pest coverage in a single treatment, HB is also available blended with SF and SC nematode species.
Safe, Sustainable Pest Management
- 100% natural — no chemical residue
- Safe around people and pets
- Safe for use on edible crops
- Fits seamlessly into existing IPM programs
- Requires no protective equipment
Storage
Your nematodes arrive in a bubble mailer with an ice pack — the ice pack will likely be melted and the package may feel warm on arrival. This is normal; the product remains safe to use. Refrigerate the unopened package until ready to apply. If storage is necessary, store at 36–45°F for no more than 30 days, in a dark place. Do not freeze.