3 ms·

I've spread beneficial nematodes several times before and the following 2-3 years I get notably fewer tick bites. They are a bit of a pain to spread over any si

I've spread beneficial nematodes several times before and the following 2-3 years I get notably fewer tick bites. They are a bit of a pain to spread over any significant area.

andrewl 4mo ago
Can you give us some more detail on the nematodes, or point us to an article?
- j_bum 4mo ago
  Commenting for future reference in case OP ever responds. Would love to learn more
  - pluralmonad 4mo ago
    Responded to sibling comment.
- ethersteeds 4mo ago
  This site [1] appears to have a good overview. There's several common beneficial nematode species, selection is based on factors such as their affinity for your intended pest, "cruising depth" in soil, and the current soil temperature. I see several sources specifically recommending a mix of the Steinernema feltiae (Sf) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) beneficial nematode species for tick control applications. Live organisms are shipped with ice packs and typically must be kept refrigerated and applied within a 1 month window. Application is typically performed with a garden hose and a mixing applicator attachment. Nematodes are sensitive to sunlight, application is typically best performed in the evening to allow them time get underground. One US vendor in this space I'm familiar with (no affiliation) is Nature's Good Guys. Their product recommendations for tick control are here[2]; they offer applicators as well. [1] https://progardenreview.com/nematodes-for-tick-control/ https://progardenreview.com/nematodes-for-tick-control/ [2] https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/collections/tick-control https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/collections/tick-control
- pluralmonad 4mo ago
  I picked up the practice from a couple of conference talks I saw years ago. I used to spray a triple threat product sold by Arbco, but found these guys much cheaper so sprayed them this year (results pending). https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/products/beneficial-nematodes-hb-sc-sf?variant=31122986991675 https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/products/beneficial-nematode... They are somewhat finicky because they need wet ground but too much rain right after will cause them to runoff instead of soak in.

I've spread beneficial nematodes several times before and the following 2-3 years I get notably fewer tick bites. They are a bit of a pain to spread over any significant area.

andrewl 4mo ago

Can you give us some more detail on the nematodes, or point us to an article?

j_bum 4mo ago
Commenting for future reference in case OP ever responds. Would love to learn more
- pluralmonad 4mo ago
  Responded to sibling comment.
ethersteeds 4mo ago
This site [1] appears to have a good overview. There's several common beneficial nematode species, selection is based on factors such as their affinity for your intended pest, "cruising depth" in soil, and the current soil temperature. I see several sources specifically recommending a mix of the Steinernema feltiae (Sf) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb) beneficial nematode species for tick control applications. Live organisms are shipped with ice packs and typically must be kept refrigerated and applied within a 1 month window. Application is typically performed with a garden hose and a mixing applicator attachment. Nematodes are sensitive to sunlight, application is typically best performed in the evening to allow them time get underground. One US vendor in this space I'm familiar with (no affiliation) is Nature's Good Guys. Their product recommendations for tick control are here[2]; they offer applicators as well. [1] https://progardenreview.com/nematodes-for-tick-control/ https://progardenreview.com/nematodes-for-tick-control/ [2] https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/collections/tick-control https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/collections/tick-control
pluralmonad 4mo ago
I picked up the practice from a couple of conference talks I saw years ago. I used to spray a triple threat product sold by Arbco, but found these guys much cheaper so sprayed them this year (results pending). https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/products/beneficial-nematodes-hb-sc-sf?variant=31122986991675 https://www.naturesgoodguys.com/products/beneficial-nematode... They are somewhat finicky because they need wet ground but too much rain right after will cause them to runoff instead of soak in.