BeneficialBillbugs
Grub nematode (Hb) for billbugs
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora · nematode
Against billbugs
Billbug larvae start inside grass stems, out of reach, and move down to the crowns and roots as they grow. That is when this cruising nematode can find them. Purdue prefers it for larvae in the root zone, and Grewal rates it equal to S. carpocapsae. Georgia Extension calls nematode reliability questionable, so confirm with a tug test first.
RateAbout 1 billion per acre (≈250k /m²)
TimingJune into July, once larvae have left the stems for the crowns and roots; water in at once and keep the soil moist
Temperature12–35 °C soil (sources vary)
macro · grub nematode (hb) on billbugs
The pestBillbugsSphenophorus spp.Larvae hollow grass stems and chew crowns; turf dies in patchesFull pest profile →Before you order
Sprayed or watered onto moist turf in late summer against young white grubs in the root zone. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Heterorhabditis bacteriophora profile.
Release calculator
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for billbugs
- Steinernema carpocapsaeNematode · About 1 billion per acre (≈250k /m²)
- Ground beetlesWild predator · wild, attract it
- Rove beetlesWild predator · wild, attract it