This nematode species, Steinernema foliate (Feltiella), is frequently employed to manage beach flies and fungus gnats, which are pests that can harm plant roots and leaves. The S. feltiae infective juveniles enter the insect pests through cuticle penetration or natural holes. Once inside, the nematodes release bacteria that kill the insects, and the bacteria and insect tissue are subsequently consumed by the worms. This aids in lowering insect numbers and preventing potential plant harm from them.
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hetero): Beetle, weevil, and caterpillar larvae are just a few of the soil-dwelling insects that H. bacteriophora is employed to biologically control. By entering the insect’s bodily cavities, the nematodes infect it with bacteria that eventually kills the host.
Steinernema carpocapsae’s (Carpo): Nematodes from this genus are employed to treat a variety of insect pests, including as fleas, armyworms, cutworms, and sod webworms. S. carpocapsae’s infectious juveniles look for their insect hosts in the soil or on plant surfaces. They penetrate the insect or enter it naturally, releasing bacteria that kill the host. Nematodes effectively lower pest populations by feeding on bacteria and insect tissue.
White grubs are harmful pests that feed on the roots of many different plants, including turfgrass and ornamentals. Glasgow nematodes, also known as Steinernema glaseri, are used to control these grubs. Infectious S. glaseri youngsters scour the dirt for white grubs before biting into them through their body holes. They discharge microorganisms that result in death.
