Steinernema carpocapsae, sold as NemAttack beneficial nematodes, are naturally occurring soil-dwelling roundworms used to control a wide range of destructive insect pests. Especially effective against caterpillars, cutworms, and armyworms, these nematodes provide fast, targeted control in turf, gardens, nurseries, orchards, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems. Safe for people, pets, pollinators, and beneficial insects, S. carpocapsae offers a chemical-free solution for integrated pest management.
How It Works
After application, nematodes actively search for insect hosts in soil or on the soil surface. They enter through natural openings or directly through the cuticle, releasing symbiotic bacteria that kills the pest within 48–72 hours. Inside the host, nematodes reproduce and emerge in search of new prey, continuing the cycle as long as hosts are present.
Targets These Pest Species
-
Armyworms (beet, fall, yellowstriped)
-
Cutworms (black, Agrotis spp.)
-
Corn Earworm
-
Cotton Bollworm
-
Mole Crickets
-
Webworms
-
Fruit Flies (Drosophila)
-
Leafminers
-
Wireworms
-
Root Weevils (strawberry, black vine, mint)
-
Flea Larvae
-
Fly Larvae
-
Navel Orangeworm
-
Cucumber Beetle
-
Mint Flea Beetle
-
Artichoke Plume Moth
-
Cranberry Girdler
-
Peach Tree Borers
-
Wood Borers
…and many additional soil-dwelling and surface-active pests
Ideal Conditions
-
Soil temperature above 42°F (6°C)
-
Apply to moist soil; keep moisture consistent after treatment
-
Avoid direct sunlight—apply early morning or late evening
-
Repeat every 7–10 days for stronger suppression
Application Instructions
-
Mix nematodes with water and apply using hose-end sprayer, pump sprayer, watering can, irrigation/fertigation, or syringe for hydroponic media
-
Spray evenly across the treatment area
-
Pre-wet soil before application and water lightly afterward to move nematodes into soil
-
Apply at dawn or dusk for UV protection
-
Do not leave solution in water for more than 2 hours
-
Use all contents the same day after opening
Release Rates
-
5 million: ~1,600 sq. ft. (ships 2nd Day Air)
-
10 million: ~3,200 sq. ft. (ships 2nd Day Air)
-
50 million: ~1 acre (ships 2nd Day Air)
-
250 million: ~5 acres (ships Overnight)
-
500 million: ~10 acres (ships Overnight)
Apply enough to treat the entire infested area for best results.
Where to Use
-
Lawns and turf
-
Vegetable and fruit crops
-
Greenhouses and nurseries
-
Orchards and vineyards
-
Grow rooms and hydroponics
-
Container plants, interiorscapes, and houseplants
-
Outdoor soil and moist zones
Shipping & Storage
-
Ships Monday–Thursday; orders after Thursday AM ship the following Monday
-
Free 2nd Day Air for 5M–50M sizes; Free Overnight for 250M–500M sizes
-
Ships with ice pack (may arrive melted)
-
Store refrigerated, not frozen, in original container
-
Shelf life: 14 days unopened; use same day after opening
-
Not available for shipping to Hawaii; Alaska requires custom shipping quote
Quick Tips
✔ Apply when larvae are active—typically spring and fall
✔ Use 2+ applications to cover overlapping pest life cycles
✔ Pre-wet and maintain soil moisture after application
✔ Avoid pesticide interference unless confirmed compatible
✔ Monitor for re-infestation and reapply if needed
✘ Do not store mixed nematode solution longer than 2 hours
