Beneficial nematodes for flea control

[stephanietx]

We use beneficial nematodes in our yard to control all kinds of soil-borne pests, including fleas. We've done this for years. We get ours from Arbico Organics.

 

[iPappy]

We use beneficial nematodes in our yard to control all kinds of soil-borne pests, including fleas. We've done this for years. We get ours from Arbico Organics.

Interesting!! How long do you feel they last between applications?

 

[Bluesummer]

Last month, I ordered some beneficial nematodes to spray in the catio to help control fleas. I mixed them up and sprayed them at dusk, following the instructions exactly. I also sprayed the area all around the catio about a foot or so out to hopefully provided added protection. I don't want to jinx this but so far I have not flea treated anyone, and I have not seen any fleas at all, and the dog and the cats as well have been spending a lot of time out there. In years past, I'd be seeing fleas by now on anyone who was untreated.
I will keep a close eye on this and update as necessary, but if this is an additional protective layer against keeping fleas at bay, I'll take it!

Hi, i apply Revolution on one cat and Bravecto Plus for large cats on two cats. I use these in spring through fall but would love to switch to something more natural. I'd like to try the nematode method. What did you use exactly? Thanks in advance!

 

[stephanietx]

Interesting!! How long do you feel they last between applications?

The first year we used them, we applied 4 times. (I live in Texas) Late winter/early spring and then late spring and then again in the fall and closer to fall/winter (about a month before 1st freeze). The next year, we applied twice. Now we do it about every other year. Once you get an established group in your soil, they reproduce. Standard chemical fertilizers kill them, though, so following an organic approach is best if you want the nematodes to be effective.

 

[iPappy]

The first year we used them, we applied 4 times. (I live in Texas) Late winter/early spring and then late spring and then again in the fall and closer to fall/winter (about a month before 1st freeze). The next year, we applied twice. Now we do it about every other year. Once you get an established group in your soil, they reproduce. Standard chemical fertilizers kill them, though, so following an organic approach is best if you want the nematodes to be effective.

Definitely nothing chemical is in the catio, and it's good info to know that the standard chemical fertilizers can kill them. I'm interested to see how long they last in Ohio!

 

[iPappy]

2 months later...
I found one single flea on Livie a week or so ago. We had been training outside in the non-treated area and she was due for a bath anyways. Balki is clean, the cats are clean, and no fleas....and we're heading into the closing of Year Two.
I'm seriously considering biting the financial bullet and treating my larger yard with the beneficial nematodes next year. It's a very large yard. I've been very, very happy with this choice as a means for flea control for the cats to be able to be outside without having to be treated for fleas every month. I see many beneficial insects in the catio, so they are not being harmed. (Even the spiders...shudder.)
As you can see, Lila is pleased to have her freedom to be outdoors, and not have to worry about those annoying little bugs biting her!

 

[Alldara]

Thats so wonderful! And the fleas had early and large populations this year.

I didn't retreat this year, and the cats havent reslly been out. No ticks gardening though!