NemaGlobe Nematodes for Chinch Bugs

NemaGlobe Flea & Chinch Bug Busters™ are a biological solution designed to help control chinch bugs in lawns, as well as flea and tick larvae found in the soil. This living treatment contains approximately 20 million beneficial Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes encapsulated in a proprietary gel formulation that supports storage and easy application.

A lawn showing irregular yellow or brown patches, along with tufts of dead grass on the surface, may be affected by chinch bugs. These insects are especially active during hot and dry weather and can quickly weaken turf by feeding on plant tissues.

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic living organisms that move through moist soil to locate targeted insects. When applied under suitable conditions, they help reduce pest populations in the soil without the use of a conventional chemical pesticide. One package treats up to approximately 275 m² or 3,000 sq. ft.

Uses

• Biological control of chinch bugs in lawns.
• Treatment of common, hairy and southern chinch bugs.
• Control of flea larvae found in soil.
• Control of tick larvae in outdoor areas.
• Application on residential lawns.
• Treatment of yellow, brown or weakened turf patches.
• Use in areas showing visible chinch bug damage.
• Application in gardens and outdoor landscaped areas.
• Suitable as part of an environmentally responsible lawn-care program.

Features

• Product type: biological treatment containing live nematodes.
• Nematode species: Steinernema carpocapsae.
• Quantity: approximately 20 million nematodes.
• Formulation: nematodes encapsulated in a proprietary gel.
• Target pests: chinch bugs, flea larvae and tick larvae.
• Coverage: up to 275 m² or 3,000 sq. ft.
• Shelf life: up to six months when stored according to package directions.
• Designed for outdoor use.
• Recommended for application with the NemaGlobe hose-end sprayer or a watering can.
• Fast release into the soil.
• 100% pesticide-free.
• Environmentally sustainable solution.
• Pet-friendly when used according to directions.
• Best applied to moist soil.
• Recommended soil temperature: between 50 and 90 °F.
• Do not apply in full sun.

Recommended Areas

• Residential lawns.
• Lawns affected by chinch bugs.
• Turf showing irregular yellow or brown patches.
• Lawns weakened during hot and dry weather.
• Gardens and landscaped outdoor areas.
• Moist, shaded areas where flea larvae may be present.
• Outdoor areas frequently used by pets.
• Turf areas requiring a biological pest-control method.

Benefits

NemaGlobe Flea & Chinch Bug Busters™ provide a targeted biological control method for several soil-dwelling pests. The Steinernema carpocapsae formulation works where targeted larvae and insects may develop, particularly near the soil surface and within the lower turf canopy.

This treatment is especially useful for Canadian lawns affected by chinch bugs during the warmer summer months. Damage is often most visible between June and August when the weather is hot and dry. Turf may lose colour, become thin and develop irregular straw-coloured or brown patches.

Unlike a conventional chemical insecticide, nematodes are living organisms that work biologically in the soil. They offer an alternative for homeowners who want to reduce pesticide use while directly targeting specific lawn pests.

The product may also help control flea and tick larvae in outdoor areas. Flea larvae often develop in moist, shaded locations, especially in areas frequently used by pets. Treating these areas targets an important stage of the flea life cycle.

The proprietary gel formulation helps protect the nematodes before use and provides a shelf life of up to six months when the product is stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This makes the product easier to handle and allows treatment to be scheduled when conditions are suitable.

Application is simple and can be completed with the NemaGlobe hose-end sprayer or a watering can. One package covers up to 3,000 sq. ft., making it suitable for many residential lawns.

When to Use

In Canada and northern regions, chinch bug damage is generally most common from June through August when conditions are hot and dry. Lawns should be monitored for chinch bug activity from May through September.

Common symptoms include irregular patches of stunted, discoloured or weakened grass. As feeding increases, these patches may turn straw brown and eventually die.

For flea larvae, treatments may be applied from spring through fall. Begin with moist, shaded areas where flea larvae are most likely to develop. Reapplication after four to six weeks may be recommended to target the next generation of hatching fleas.

How to Check for Chinch Bugs

Use a metal can with both ends removed. Push the can approximately 2 inches into the soil and fill it with water. Maintain the water level and check the surface after approximately five to ten minutes.

Chinch bugs present in the turf will usually float to the surface. Treatment may be necessary when a significant number of insects are found in the test area.

Directions for Use

Apply NemaGlobe Flea & Chinch Bug Busters™ to a moist lawn or garden when the soil temperature is between 50 and 90 °F. Because nematodes are living organisms, proper application conditions are essential.

Do not apply in full sun. Nematodes are sensitive to heat, direct sunlight and drying. Early morning, evening or overcast conditions are recommended.

Step 1: Water the Lawn or Garden

Water the treatment area before application so the soil is thoroughly moist. Schedule the treatment around rainy periods whenever possible or pre-water the area.

If the soil temperature is above 90 °F, irrigate the treatment area before application to lower the soil temperature and create more suitable conditions for the nematodes.

Step 2: Mix in the Nematodes

Open the NemaGlobe package and remove the bags. Pour the contents into the sprayer and fill it with water to the indicated fill line.

Shake vigorously to distribute the nematodes evenly. Continue to agitate the solution periodically during application to keep the nematodes suspended.

Step 3: Attach and Spray

Attach the sprayer to a garden hose and begin applying the solution to the most heavily affected areas. Gradually move outward to provide complete and even coverage.

Concentrate on yellow, brown or weakened turf patches and the surrounding edges, since chinch bugs may also be present beyond the visible damage.

When treating flea larvae, begin in moist and shaded locations before moving outward to nearby areas.

After Application

Water the treated area after application to help move the nematodes into the turf canopy and upper soil layer where the targeted pests are present.

Keep the treatment area moist for the next three days. During hot and dry weather, maintain regular moisture for approximately seven days. Avoid saturating the soil or causing excessive runoff.

Do not allow the surface to dry completely immediately after treatment. Moisture allows the nematodes to move through the soil and reach the targeted insects.

For best results, combine the treatment with proper lawn-care practices. Maintain an appropriate mowing height, avoid scalping the grass, water deeply when necessary and reseed bare areas after the pest population has been controlled.

Why Choose This Product

Choosing NemaGlobe Flea & Chinch Bug Busters™ means selecting a biological treatment that works directly in the soil against chinch bugs, flea larvae and tick larvae.

Its proprietary formulation contains approximately 20 million Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes and treats up to 3,000 sq. ft. The product is easy to apply, pesticide-free and suitable for a more environmentally responsible lawn-care approach.

Through their targeted action and ability to move through moist soil, beneficial nematodes provide a practical option for reducing pest pressure and supporting a healthier, denser and more resilient lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are NemaGlobe Flea & Chinch Bug Busters™ used for

They are used to biologically control chinch bugs, flea larvae and tick larvae found in the soil.

How many nematodes are included

One package contains approximately 20 million beneficial Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes.

How much area does one package cover

One package treats up to approximately 275 m² or 3,000 sq. ft.

When should chinch bugs be treated in Canada

Damage is generally most common from June through August, but lawns should be monitored from May through September.

Can nematodes be applied in full sun

No. Full sun should be avoided because nematodes are sensitive to direct sunlight, heat and drying.

What soil temperature is required

The soil temperature should be between approximately 50 and 90 °F at the time of application.

Should the area be watered before application

Yes. The lawn or soil must be moist before application to allow the nematodes to move through the soil.

Should the area be watered after application

Yes. Watering after application helps move the nematodes into the turf canopy. Keep the area moist for three days, or up to seven days during hot and dry weather.

How is the product applied

The product can be applied with the NemaGlobe hose-end sprayer or a watering can. Always follow the mixing and application directions on the package.

Does this product contain pesticides

No. It is a biological treatment made with living beneficial nematodes and is 100% pesticide-free.

Can it be used in yards where pets are present

Yes. The product is designed for outdoor use and is pet-friendly when applied according to the directions.

How long can the product be stored

The gel formulation provides a shelf life of up to six months when stored according to the date and storage conditions shown on the package.

Is one application enough for flea larvae

A second application after four to six weeks may be recommended to target the next generation of hatching flea larvae.

What should be done if the lawn is already badly damaged

Treat the infestation first, then improve the growing conditions of the lawn. Bare or severely damaged areas may need to be reseeded after pest control has been completed.