Nematodes (roundworms) are colorless, unsegmented, and do not have appendages. Nematodes may be free-living, predaceous, or parasitic, and many of the parasitic species cause important diseases of plants, animals, and humans. Certain nematodes are beneficial to humans because they are lethal to several important pests, including insects and molluscs. However, these particular roundworms do not harm plants and other animals. This high level of safety means that unlike chemicals, application of nematodes does not require special safety equipment. In addition, re-entry time, residues, and groundwater contamination are not issues. Many biological pest control agents require days or even weeks to kill their host. Nematodes, working with their symbiotic bacteria, are often able to kill their targeted pests within 24 -48 hours.
To learn more about the use of nematodes as biological control agents for insects, click on the images below.
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To learn more about the use of nematodes as biological control agents for molluscs (snails,slugs.etc.), click on the images below.
Biological Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America
