Frequently Asked Insect Questions

1. When is the best time to apply…

Grub-Away Nematodes?

We recommend applying Nematodes either in the fall, or spring, when eggs and larva are in the soil. Nematodes for the most part, will die when the ground freezes in the winter.

Sta-HomeTM Ladybeetles?

They should be applied in spring (late March to early June) depending on what part of the country you live in. The pest to be controlled should be present. The release area should be watered before releasing them and they are best applied near dusk.

Green Lacewings?

Since they are received in the form of eggs, they can be applied as soon as they are received. The eggs will hatch when they normally would in your area. If the pest to be controlled is not present, they will search elsewhere for food. Therefore we recommend waiting to order until the pest to be controlled is present. The release area should be watered before releasing them and they are best applied near dusk.

Trichogramma?

Since they are received in the form of eggs, they can be applied as soon as they are received. The eggs will hatch when they normally would in your area. We recommend waiting to order until the pest to be controlled is present. The release area should be watered before releasing them and they are best applied near dusk.

2. If I do not specify when I want my insects sent, when will I receive them?

Our scheduled release dates for shipping beneficial insects are based on USDA historical weather patterns. Link to release dates.

3. What if I can't use the insects at time you send them?

Due to the uncertainty of weather conditions, you may receive them when conditions are too extreme. There is no way to preserve the insects until conditions are more favorable, so go ahead and release them. In this case, contact Customer Service (via email, see Contact Us, phone or mail) for a replacement shipment.

4. How can you tell if beneficial nematodes are alive when the package arrives?

The nematodes have been mixed with water to form a thick slurry. This slurry is put on a sponge, which is sealed in a clear plastic bag. The nematodes migrate throughout the sponge and even out into the bag. You should observe a cream to tan colored substance in the bag and on the sponge. This is the nematode slurry. It should be moist and some odor is normal. If you are still in doubt, you can mix a little of the slurry in a drop or two of water and check with a magnifying glass for movement.

5. How long after application do beneficial nematodes begin to work?

They actually start working within 48 to 72 hours. You can see results immediately. Using a spade or shovel, turn up the ground where nematodes were applied, to check for dead larvae. Once you have seen dead larvae, this tells you that the nematodes are working. Depending on the size of the area and the pest population, total control time varies.

6. What other fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides can be used at the same time as beneficial insects?

All of our fertilizers and fungicides can be used with any of our beneficial insects. Our pesticides can be used along with nematodes with no separation time between application of either one. Our other beneficial insects can be adversely affected by our pesticides. Therefore, it is best to apply pesticides in the evening when direct contact with beneficial insects can be avoided.

This approach will minimize any loss of beneficial insects from residual contact with pesticides.