Didja ever use beneficial nematodes?

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Last week I bought a couple containers of beneficial nematodes for organic bug control. Specifically, we adopted a long haired cat around Christmastime and now she (and we!) are scratching. I heard on a radio show with a couple vets that they recommend daily combing of the hair on the animals plus treatment of the grounds with beneficial nematodes (they kill everyting bad in and on the ground except earthworms) and treating the inside of the house with diatomaceas (sp?) earth.

Has anyone had any success with this?

-- sis (sis@home.zzz), June 13, 2001

Answers

Sorry I can't help you, Sis.

Between the cold and the city, aren't too many nasties 'round here.

I knew there had to be something good about winter :-)

-- Tricia teh Canuck (jayles@telusplanet.ent), June 15, 2001.


We have various todes in our yard. I always try to watch for them when I mow, and usually they hop away. I think if they don't hop at the wrong moment, the mower will pass right over them, since they aren't very tall at all.

I think they are very beneficial, since they eat a lot of insects.

I have a friend who mixes diatomaceous (sp again?) earth with his wheat to keep the insects out, and just grinds it up in his flour. He says it keeps parasites out of your system.

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), June 19, 2001.


sis, I've never used nematodes, but have used DE (diatomaceous earth) for several years on my organic garden. It's wettable, so you can mix it up and spray it on, but I like to just wet down everything, then dust it. DE is as fine as talcum, and a little goes a long way. It is totally non-toxic to people and pets; it's even in most toothpastes. I used it on the dog and in her bed for fleas, and as a soil conditioner as needed. It's good stuff. Just don't buy 100 pounds of it unless you got a BIG garden!

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-- Lon Frank (lgal@exp.net), June 19, 2001.


Yes, I have used Nematodes for about 3 years now, and I will always use them. I have almost no insects in my yard or garden, my two dogs have not had any problem with either fleas or ticks. I have spent a lot more on the dogs for flea and tick problems than I have ever spent on nematodes. And I do not like to use chemicals because I have so many allergies.

-- Carolyn Martin (maw006@mcleodusa.net), May 18, 2002.

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