BeneficialSquash vine borer

Nematodes for squash vine borer

Steinernema carpocapsae · nematode
Against squash vine borer

In South Carolina trials, S. carpocapsae sprayed on the stem base and soil matched the insecticide standard in some years, but injection did less well and infection fell to 0–2% in the third year. Treat it as a supplement to row cover and surgery, not a cure.

RatePer package directions — no extension source gives a per-stem dose
TimingSpray the stem base and soil as eggs hatch (late June–July in the north). UConn suggests injecting bored stems, but injection did no better than no treatment in the South Carolina trials
Temperature14–34 °C; best 19–31 °C

Before you order

Sprayed or watered onto moist lawn and bed soil against pests that move on the surface: cutworms, armyworms, sod webworms, billbugs and flea larvae outdoors. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Steinernema carpocapsae 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 squash vine borer

No other reviewed control is listed for this pest yet.