Sf Nematodes

SF Nematodes are broad-spectrum soil hunters. They don't just wait for pests; they actively track them via CO2 signatures and vibrations.

• Fungus Gnats: Targets the larvae that eat organic matter and root hairs.
• Western Flower Thrips: Intercepts Thrips when they drop from the foliage to the soil to pupate.
• Root Aphids: Attacks the crawler and underground stages, providing a critical layer of defense against this devastating pest.
• Leatherjackets & Shore Flies: Effective against the larval stages of crane flies and shore flies in greenhouse environments.
• Leafminers: When applied as a foliar spray in high-humidity settings, they can even enter leaf galleries to hunt leafminer larvae.

Because nematodes live in the "water film" between soil particles, their environment determines their lethality.

• Soil Temperature: Performs best between 50°F and 80°F. Unlike other species, SF remains active in cooler spring/autumn soils.
• Moisture: Soil must be kept consistently moist (like a wrung-out sponge) for at least two weeks after application so the nematodes can move.
• Light Sensitivity: Nematodes are killed by UV rays. Always apply in the late evening or during low-light hours to allow them to settle into the soil.

SF Nematodes are the cornerstone of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. Here is how to choose:

• The "Cool Season" Specialist (SF Nematodes): Choose S. feltiae if your soil is below 70°F or if you are growing indoors. They are more mobile and aggressive in typical indoor/greenhouse temperatures than other species.
• The Thrip-Gnat Duo (SF Nematodes): If you are fighting Thrips on the leaves, you must use SF in the soil. Mites handle the foliage, but SF ensures the Thrips never emerge from the soil to re-infect the plant.
• The Root Aphid Warrior (SF Nematodes): For Root Aphid prevention, SF is your best subterranean ally. Pair them with a soil-dwelling mite like Stratiolaelaps scimitus for a "Search and Destroy" team that covers all soil depths.
• The Tropical Specialist (SC/HB Nematodes): If you are fighting Beetles or Fleas in very warm, outdoor summer soils (above 80°F), you might consider S. carpocapsae, but for indoor plant care, SF is the gold standard.

Nematodes are living organisms shipped in a dormant state. They must be "rehydrated" properly to work.

• Preparation: Dissolve the nematode powder into a bucket of room-temperature water. Stir gently to create a suspension.
• Application: Use a watering can, pump sprayer (remove filters smaller than 50 mesh), or a siphon mixer.
• Dose: There is no set dose. For more information on why, and what dosing might work for you please read our article on dosing nematodes.
• Pre-Watering: Dampen your soil before application. Nematodes cannot move in dry soil; they need water to swim to their prey.
• Immediate Use: Apply the mixture within 2 hours of mixing. Do not store the liquid; they will drown if left in standing water without aeration.

• Packaging: Shipped in a clay, gel, or powder carrier inside sealed pouches.
• Transit: We ship in packaging to maintain a stable environment.
• Store in the refrigerator (35°F–45°F) upon arrival. Do not freeze. You may store them for up to 30 days in your refrigerator.

For a standard Prevention application, we recommend 1 to 2 million nematodes per gallon of water. If you are dealing with an Active Problme (a heavy infestation), increase this to 5 to 15 million per gallon. Because nematodes are microscopic, the goal is to ensure the water you pour is saturated enough to create a "search-and-destroy" grid within the top two inches of your medium.

Biological control is a game of lifecycles. Within 24 to 48 hours of application, the nematodes will have infected the larvae in the soil. However, you won’t see a reduction in "flying" pests immediately. Since the nematodes only target the larvae, you will see the adult population collapse in 7 to 10 days as the current generation of flyers dies off and no new adults emerge to replace them.

Yes. Steinernema feltiae thrives in any medium that stays moist. In hydroponic systems or rockwool, they are highly effective at navigating the slabs or clay pebbles to find Fungus Gnat larvae. Just ensure your reservoir is well-aerated and that you aren't using high-pressure pumps or fine-mesh filters (under 50 mesh) that could mechanically damage or trap the nematodes.

Nematodes are living, breathing organisms. Tap water is treated with chlorine specifically to kill microorganisms. While a quick splash might not kill every nematode, it can "stun" them, slowing down their ability to hunt. For the best ROI, let your water sit out for 24 hours to off-gas or use a filter to ensure your "workforce" hits the soil at 100% capacity.

Absolutely not. These are entomopathogenic nematodes, meaning they are genetically programmed to only infect specific insects. They are completely harmless to plants, mammals, and even other beneficial "surface" insects like ladybugs. They are a clean, non-toxic alternative to chemical soil drenches, making them safe for use in homes and high-traffic nurseries.

If you have an active infestation, one drench is rarely enough. Pest eggs in the soil are "armored" and cannot be infected by nematodes. We recommend that you apply every 7–10 days for three rounds. This ensures that as the eggs hatch, a fresh wave of hungry nematodes is waiting to greet the new larvae.