Hb+Sf Nematodes - FAQs
Why buy the Hb+Sf mix instead of a single species?
Because Sf and Hb are active in different temperature ranges and different soil depths, combining them extends the range of pest control beyond what either could do alone.
Can Hb and Sf really be applied together without one interfering with the other?
Yes. Both species use the same water-based application method and soil moisture requirements. They are compatible in the same mix and don't compete for the same hosts.
Can I use this mix alongside neem oil or insecticidal soap?
Yes, but timing matters. Apply nematodes a few days apart from any foliar spray, since some residue can affect nematode survival in the soil. The nematodes themselves pose no risk to your other treatments.
How often do I need to reapply?
It depends on the pest. Grubs, beetle larvae, weevils, and borers (Hb's targets) run one generation per season, so a single well-timed application usually covers the vulnerable window. Fungus gnats, ants, termites, fleas, and flies are different: because they reproduce continuously or reinvade, those need reapplication roughly every month for ongoing control.
Is this mix safe around edible plants, pets, and kids?
Yes. Both species are a natural biological treatment with no synthetic pesticides. They are safe around people, pets, and kids when used as directed, and safe on edible crops with no waiting period before harvest.
How long until I see results?
Beneficial nematodes start working once they're in moist soil.
I've heard nematodes can damage plants. Is that what this is?
No. That's a different, unrelated category: plant-parasitic nematodes (like root-knot nematodes) feed on roots and can genuinely harm a garden. Beneficial nematodes don't feed on plant tissue at all.
How do I know if a single species or combination is best?
Use these charts to narrow your search:
Beetle Larvae (Grubs)
| Pest | Species |
|---|---|
| Asparagus | Hb Sf Sc |
| Blister | Hb |
| Chafer | Hb+Sc |
| Colorado Potato | Hb Sf Sc |
| Cucumber | Hb Sf Sc |
| Flea | Hb+Sc |
| Japanese | Hb+Sc |
| May/June | Hb |
| Scarab | Hb |
| White Grub (General) | Hb Sf Sc |
Moth Larvae (Caterpillars)
| Pest | Species |
|---|---|
| Armyworm (General) | Hb Sf Sc |
| Bagworm (General) | Sc |
| Cabbage Looper | Sc |
| Codling | Hb Sf Sc |
| Cutworm (General) | Hb Sf Sc |
| Fall Armyworm | Hb+Sc |
| Garden Webworm | Hb Sf Sc |
| Hornworm (General) | Hb Sf Sc |
| Oriental Fruit Moth | Sc |
| Tent Caterpillar | Sc |
| Tomato Fruitworm | Hb+Sc |
| Webworm | Hb Sf Sc |
Borers (Tunneling Larvae)
| Pest | Species |
|---|---|
| Borers (General) | Hb Sf Sc |
| Corn | Hb+Sc |
| Grape Root | Hb+Sc |
| Lesser Cornstalk | Sf |
| Mint Root | Hb+Sf |
| Peach Tree | Hb+Sc |
| Raspberry Crown | Sf |
| Squash Vine | Hb+Sc |
Weevil Larvae (Grubs)
| Pest | Species |
|---|---|
| Berry Root | Hb+Sc |
| Billbug (General) | Hb Sf Sc |
| Black Vine | Hb+Sc |
| Bluegrass | Hb+Sc |
| Carrot | Sc |
| Citrus | Hb |
| Cranberry Root | Hb+Sc |
| Large Pine | Hb+Sc |
| Strawberry Root | Hb+Sc |
Fly Larvae & Maggots
| Pest | Species |
|---|---|
| Cabbage Maggot | Sf |
| Crane (Leather Jacket) | Hb Sf Sc |
| Fly Larvae (General) | Hb Sf Sc (monthly) |
| Fungus Gnat (Sciarid) | Sf (monthly) |
| Gall Midge | Sf |
| House & Filth | Hb Sf Sc (monthly) |
| Humpbacked (Phorid) | Sf (monthly) |
| Leafminer | Sf |
| Onion Maggot | Sf |
| Root Maggot | Sf |
| Shore Fly | Hb Sf Sc (monthly) |
Miscellaneous Larval Pests
| Pest | Species |
|---|---|
| Ant (Queen) | Hb Sf Sc (monthly) |
| Ant (Red Fire Ant) | Hb Sf Sc (monthly) |
| Chinch Bug Larvae | Sc |
| Flea Larvae & Pupae | Hb Sf Sc (monthly) |
| Termite | Hb+Sc |
| Thrips pupae | Sf |
| Ticks | Hb+Sf |