Nematodes are tiny, non-segmented worms that prey on flea larvae, helping to break the flea life cycle and reduce their population in your yard. You can think of them as one of nature’s remedies for flea removal.
Let’s dig into how these little guys can save you a ton of pain and emotional grief.
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Nematodes: What Are They?
You’ve probably never heard of them or perhaps didn’t even know they existed.
While there are several good products for killing fleas in your yard, these minuscule organisms are, actually, some of the best defenses on the market to combat the rapid spread of fleas around the yard at your home.
Nematode Characteristics
Nematodes (also called roundworms) are incredibly small, non-segmented worms with long, smooth bodies. And when we say incredibly small, we mean it.
These microscopic organisms can’t be seen by the naked eye, but they do can serious damage to insect larvae while leaving mammals completely unaffected and minimizing the use of chemicals around your house.
That’s what makes them the ideal solution for killing fleas in your yard.
You can apply beneficial nematodes around your yard to help reduce the flea larvae population in hopes that it reduces the chance your pets pick up hitchhikers while they’re outside playing.
Naturally, they live in soils worldwide. Nematodes have a special gut bacteria which is fatal to all kinds of pests, namely fleas. In a lucky turn of events, this gut bacteria isn’t harmful to humans or pets whatsoever.
Are Nematodes Parasites?
Yes and no. Not all nematodes are parasitic, but the ones that help defeat fleas are, in fact, a type of insect parasite.
Nematodes take fleas as their host and live on the nutrients the flea provides. This means that, by definition, these organisms do fall into the category of parasites.
While it may be strange to think that the best way to fight a parasite is with another parasite, consider this: fleas are almost microscopic themselves, so one of the most effective ways to kill them is with something even smaller.
Are Nematodes Harmful?
When most people think of a parasite, they think of a blood-sucking cretin, which is harmful to its host. Usually, that’s the case, but this concept can be a double-edged sword: just because a parasite is harmful to its host doesn’t mean that it’s harmful to the world around it.
Nematodes are an example of a parasite that kills fleas, yet isn’t harmful at all to larger animals kept as pets or humans. They attach to the pests as hosts, leaving you, your pet, and your home parasite-free.
What’s a “Beneficial Nematode”?
Whether you’re wondering what nematodes eat or you’re asking yourself how to prevent fleas in the yard, we’ve got the answers to your questions here with two words: beneficial nematode or, by their scientific names, Steinernema feltiae (Sf), Steinernemacarpocapsae (Sc) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Hb).
We call those names out because the flea-eating variety of nematodes is a very specific kind of nematode.
How Do Nematodes Work
Once located, they enter their host through whatever openings they can find. Once inside the flea larvae, they begin killing their host by releasing deadly gut bacteria and continually reproducing. Within 24 hours, you should start seeing results and a diminished population.
After the nematodes kill all the larvae, the adult fleas will eventually die off on their own.
Did You Know
When a batch of flea-eating nematodes is released into an area, the individual roundworms find their prey by tasting the soil and feeling for the warmth of other insects.
Why Are Nematodes Successful
Nematodes are successful for two reasons: they’re cheap to buy and easy to broadcast throughout your yard.
Most products come with pre-assembled spraying attachments that allow you to quickly and easily deploy these buggers. They tend to leave beneficial insects alone while eliminating pest insects. Aside from fleas, they also attack other insect larva like…
- Cut Worms
- Gnat Larva
- Japanese Beetle Larva
- Weevils
- Webworms and more
What Else Do Nematodes Prey On?
Along with flea larvae, beneficial nematodes also prey on a variety of other lawn and garden pests — grubs, weevils, cutworms, armyworms, and many other soil-dwelling insects. This makes them a versatile insect control tool for maintaining a healthy, pest-free yard without relying on harsh chemicals.
How to Apply Nematodes for Fleas
If you can’t see the nematodes, how can you set them out to do work in your yard?
This is a common question, and the answer is not as complicated as one might assume. Keep reading for the full description of what you need to do to set these guys in motion.
How to Treat Your Yard With Nematodes
Because nematodes thrive in soils, it’s best to keep treatment outdoors to remedy your flea problem, even if you have an indoor pet.
The nematodes will find more fleas outside, strengthening their bodies and getting rid of all the fleas you may not realize you have lurking outside.
Because nematodes die in harsh sunlight and in high temperatures, it’s best to apply them before dawn, when the soil temperature is lower.
You have to mix the nematodes with water, and the correct ratio can be found on the packaging of your nematodes.
It’s incredibly important to mix just the right amount of water, as the solution depends on the amount of nematodes you purchase. After this step is complete, you’ll need a water can, hose-end sprayer, and/or a pump sprayer in order to propel the nematodes outward, across your lawn.
The Fleas Are Gone! What Happens Next?
Even if you’re on board with releasing invisible worms around your yard, you’re still probably wondering about what happens to the nematodes once the job is done.
Do they just hang out in your yard forever?
Are you essentially trading one parasite for another?
Here’s the best part about using this method to kill your fleas: once nematodes have no more hosts on which to feed, they die. Their microscopic bodies begin to biodegrade, and no trace of them is left behind.
Where Do You Get Nematodes?
You can buy beneficial nematodes at some garden centers and pet stores. When shopping for nematodes, look for reputable brands that specialize in biological pest control.
I recommend getting a species that is well-suited for targeting fleas, such as Steinernema carpocapsae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. You should also make sure that the nematodes are fresh and have been properly stored to maintain their viability before you head to the checkout lane.
Smart Storage of Nematodes
So, we’ve convinced you, and you’ve decided to hop on the bandwagon, and you’ve gotten some nematodes to kill off those fleas.
Where should you put them until you’ve decided to release them?
Pantry or Fridge?
The most important tip we can give is that because nematodes are live organisms, they should be stored for as little time as possible. The lifespan without a host on which to feed is very short, so try to use them as soon as possible.
In the event that you do need to store them for a day or two, pop them in the fridge, preferably covered in aluminum foil.
The foil will insulate them even more and act as a shield against the light that comes on every time someone opens the refrigerator door.
Nematodes can live up to 14 days in a refrigerator, but keep in mind that this countdown doesn’t begin the moment you’ve put them in your fridge at home.
These guys have been in transit to and from the original retailer, so it’s difficult to know how long they’ve already spent inside of a refrigerated truck and a cold case, waiting to be purchased.
What Happens If They Arrive Dead?
In this digital day and age, ordering things online is becoming more commonplace than going to the store to physically buy things.
If you order nematodes online, do yourself a favor: make sure the seller is reputable. Read the reviews first to see that other customers have had a successful experience buying their nematodes from this retailer, and that they utilize best practices with shipping the product in a way that keeps them alive.
If everything checks out and you place your order but smell a fishy scent coming from the package, organize a refund.
Nematodes don’t have a smell, but the decay smells rotten, so this is an excellent way to tell whether you’ve gotten a box full of dead, useless nematodes.
Because of the short life span without hosts, many retailers understand that the clock is ticking during shipping and that accidents happen. When doing your product research, make sure to choose a retailer that is flexible in the event of the nematodes dying before they get to you.
The Bottom Line
One of the best natural ways to prevent fleas is nematodes — I think they’re one of the best methods. Not only are they a natural flea killer for your yard, but they also like to feast on other bad bugs that can ruin your day (fungus gnats, etc).
After they’ve gotten the job done, they essentially disappear. These natural remedies for pesky fleas will restore your peace of mind while they keep your pet from discomfort and harm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for nematodes to kill fleas?
After applying the nematodes, it takes about 24–48 hours before you’ll start noticing the flea population decreasing.
Are nematodes safe for pets and humans?
Yes, beneficial nematodes are completely safe for pets, humans, and plants. They only target specific insect pests.
Can I apply nematodes to my lawn if I have recently used insecticides and pesticides?
I recommend waiting two weeks after using insecticides and pesticides before applying nematodes, as the chemicals can harm them.
