H.Indica (Heterorhabditis Indica) Nematodes Item #95
Control small hive beetles using soil-dwelling nematodes (H. Indica). These nematode worms are released into the soil around your bee hive in a water mixture. They can be poured onto the soil using a simple watering can or in a pressurized sprayer. The nematodes burrow downwards and seek out insects. On finding small hive beetle larvae or pupae, they enter the body of the insects and release bacteria that kill them. The nematodes then reproduce in the mass of insect matter and spread out further in the soil around your apiary. Their effectiveness is however relative to certain soil types and they may not survive winters and droughts.
Here's a 2010 research study done by the university of Georgia Honeybee Program:
"In this study, we evaluated the potential use of entomopathogenic nematodes as a control for the beetle Aethina tumida Murray (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae). In particular, we conducted 1) four screening bioassays to determine nematode (seven species, 10 total strains tested) and application level effects on A. tumida larvae and pupae, 2) a generational persistence bioassay to determine whether single inoculations with nematodes would control multiple generations of A. tumida larvae in treated soil, and 3) a field bioassay to determine whether the nematodes would remain efficacious in the field.
In the screening bioassays, nematode efficacy varied significantly by tested nematode and the infective juvenile (IJ) level at which they were applied. Although nematode virulence was moderate in screening bioassays 1–3 (0–68% A. tumida mortality), A. tumida mortality approached higher levels in screening bioassay 4 (nearly 100% after 39 d) that suggest suitable applicability of some of the test nematodes as field controls for A. tumida. In the generational persistence bioassay, Steinernema riobrave Cabanillas, Poinar & Raulston 7-12 strain and Heterorhabditis indica Poinar, Karunaka & David provided adequate A. tumida control for 19 wk after a single soil inoculation (76–94% mortality in A. tumida pupae).
In the field bioassay, the same two nematode species also showed high virulence toward pupating A. tumida (88–100%) mortality. Our data suggest that nematode use may be an integral component of an integrated pest management scheme aimed at reducing A. tumida populations in bee colonies to tolerable levels.
https://academic.oup.com/jee/article-abstract/103/1/1/2199356
F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are nematodes? Nematodes are microscopic worms (aka roundworms) that that live and survive in the moist soil. There are thousands of species and each have different purposes in life (purpose could be harmful, beneficial, or unknown).
Will this strain of nematodes harm people, pet. livestock or plants? No! Beneficial nematodes are harmless. They are so safe that their production, sale and use by public is exempt from federal regulations.
How can this strain of nematode help control small hive beetles? Small hive beetle larva must enter the soil to finish it's life cycle, the nematodes will attack and feast on them. For each larva the nematodes kill they can reproduce another 20,000 nematodes.
How Often should I apply nematodes to my bee yards? It’s recommended to apply them twice a year. Once in the Spring and a follow up in the Fall.
What other insect does H. Indica control? White Grubs, Japanese Beetles, Root Weevils, Small Hive Beetles, Armyworms, Cutworms, Clear Winged Moths, Fungus Gnats
How many hives will 5 million nematodes treat? A packet of 5 million will treat 10 hives.
What is the shelf life of H.I. in their shipping packet? Once you receive you packet of H. I. you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 21 days. For this reason we advise ordering your nematodes ahead of time this will help keep the long shelf life. For best results we recommend applying to soil soon after receiving.
If I apply nematodes twice a year as recommended, will I need to use beetle traps inside the hives? Yes. We recommend you still use some sort of a beetle trap inside the hive as a secondary backup defense and a way to observe beetle traffic if it exist.
How are these nematodes applied? Applying your nematodes is easy but there is a few steps and some things you will need.
You will need:
1-Garden watering can
1-Fine mesh strainer
10-Gallon Water
1-Mixing Cup
1-Stir Stick
How To Prepare & Apply Nematodes
<$26.99 plus shipping
Learn More About Small Hive Beetles: HERE
Loved the blog and information Jason! We have been trying to find a way to get rid of the Japanese beetles around our blueberry bushes and believe this is worth a try! agree?
ReplyDeleteAlso, Is better to add this in the Spring or now to handle those beetles that went in the ground to overwinter?
DeleteThanks Richard- I do think this would be a great way to control Japanese Beetles. I think around bushes you water regularly would be a perfect environment too. I the J. beetle around my blackberries so I know the issues they cause. Personally I would apply now and again in the spring just to make sure I gained control (just like I am doing with the shb's by applying now)but that's me. I guess you'll have to ask yourself how much you value your berries.
DeleteI have battled hive beetles in Virginia Beach and this seems like an excellent approach.
ReplyDeleteCan these be applied in warm winter days (Today is 68!) or should I wait until Spring?
Thanks for the videos... very educational
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ReplyDeleteDo these nematodes also battle fleas?
ReplyDelete