Argentine Scarab
Argentine Scarab
$66.00 – $132.00
Argentine Scarab treatment actively seeks out and kills the larvae of Argentine Scarab and Red-headed Cockchafer that live in the soil and cause damage to the grass root system as well as that of pot plants, garden beds and vegetable gardens. It is suitable for residential lawns and gardens through to commercial applications to sports fields, golf courses and parks. It is used as both a preventative and curative treatment. Scarab grubs are best treated when they are visible and active.
This treatment is the higher dose that will control Argentine Scarab and Red- headed pasture cockchafer. VIC, SA, WA and NSW.
This higher dose is required for more persistent lawn grubs such as Argentine Scarab and Red-headed Cockchafer. This product should be used if you are in doubt as to actual the lawn grub present.
Contains: Heterorhabditis zealandica as infective juveniles.
Please read the product details below to make sure that the product coverage issuitable.
Argentine Scarab Beneficial Nematodes (Heterorhabditis zealandica) are natural predators of these more aggressive destructive scarab beetle larvae. They have been shown to be the most effective solution for the control of the most damaging scarab larvae. Easily applied, the microscopic nematodes actively seek out and kill the larvae before they do damage, then breed within the dead larvae, and this new generation will emerge to continue the control process.
These natural predators won’t harm people, pets, plants or beneficial insects or organisms.
Argentine Scarab have a one year lifecycle. The adults emerge between December and January and their eggs will hatch within weeks.
These eggs hatch and larvae emerge to feed on roots of grass and plants. The larvae are present almost all year in varying stages, but will quickly proceed to the largest 3 rd stage instar where they eat more and do the most damage. These larvae will feed from February to November, but will overwinter in the soil as larvae and become inactive if soil temps are cold. Whilst the adults can also have an impact on foliage, it is the larvae that causes the most damage to the root system.
The grubs feed on the roots and rhizomes of the grass, leading to a reduced ability of the grass to take up nutrients and water from the soil. Therefore grass wilts and dies quickly in times of slight water or heat stress. If the problem is not addressed quickly, the larvae will destroy the turf. Large irregular patches, regardless of heat and water conditions, is usually the first sign of damage. Birds are also an indicator when they dig up the lawn in search of the grubs.
Argentine Scarab spread through flying adults, but can also be brought onto location through larvae contaminated soil or in new turf and plants.
Chemical controls will struggle against the larger more damaging larvae which have built up a larger fatty barrier that protects them. These later stage larvae are easier for the nematodes to control as their body openings are also larger and easier to invade.
Larvae will build up resistance to chemical control methods, and these chemicals can also negatively impact on other beneficial organisms in the soil and also the grass and plant growth. Larvae cannot develop resistance to Beneficial Nematodes.
When applied correctly, one application can control an entire generation of lawn grub. This means only one annual application is required. Preventative or timely treatments are best applied early November to late December for over wintering larvae, and also late January to May when the next generation is developing.
Best results are obtained when the larvae are present and active, or when damage is noticed. Once nematodes are applied, they will infect and stop the larvae feeding within 24-48 hours, and allow the turf and plants to start to recover.
For smaller areas or if using for an existing heavy infestation, two applications can be applied approximately 10 days apart. Soil temperature should be above 15C at the time of application for the Beneficial Nematodes to be active.
Apply by watering can, or suitable hose end sprayer They can also be applied with pump sprayer or knap sack after removing any fine filters (< 0.5 mm). While best used fresh, you can store any unused product properly sealed for up to 3 weeks, however it is best to aim to apply the product within 7 days of arrival for optimal results
DO NOT REFRIGERATE THIS PRODUCT.
Additional information
| Size | 50 Million, 100 Million (Double Pack), 150 Million (Triple Pack) |
|---|
Application
- The product is best used on arrival, however with care, this product may
be stored for a limited period. - The nematodes come in a cellulose powder solution and in a dehydrated
and hibernated state. - The product may be stored at a lower constant room temperature out of
sunlight for up to three weeks. The product MUST NOT BE REFRIGERATED.
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- Only apply Beneficial Nematodes at dusk. Do NOT apply outside at
other times, even if overcast! Application within a UV filtered
environment during daylight hours is ok. - Ensure that the soil temperature exceeds 15 o C.
- Ensure that the area to be treated has been irrigated and that the
soil is moist. - Allow 20-30 minutes re-hydration before applying nematodes.
- Spray the area as evenly as possible. In some cases, greater evenness may be achieved by spraying in a cross-hatch pattern, ensuring that the suspension is agitated or stirred at 5 minute intervals, as the nematodes will settle to the bottom of the vessel.
- Irrigate well immediately after treatment, and maintain moist soil
conditions for the next 7 to 10 days.
Apply at a rate of 50 million nematodes per 60 m2.
As a preventative, apply as part of a structured periodic application, or in advance of historical seasonal infestations. Apply at a rate of 50 million nematodes per 60 m2.
Apply as evenly as possible with enough water during or after application to maintain a moist environment in the top layers of the soil or growing medium for at least 7 days.
Watering Can
Nematodes are easily applied with a watering can.
- Only apply Beneficial Nematodes at dusk. Do NOT apply outside at
other times, even if overcast! Application within a UV filtered
environment during daylight hours is ok. - Ensure that the soil temperature exceeds 15 o C.
- Ensure that the area to be treated has been irrigated and that the
soil is moist. - Allow 20-30 minutes re-hydration before applying nematodes.
- Spray the area as evenly as possible. In some cases, greater evenness may be achieved by spraying in a cross-hatch pattern, ensuring that the suspension is agitated or stirred at 5 minute intervals, as the nematodes will settle to the bottom of the vessel.
- Irrigate well immediately after treatment, and maintain moist soil
conditions for the next 7 to 10 days.
Hose End Sprayer (Venturi)
Nematodes are easily applied with a watering can.
- Only apply Beneficial Nematodes at dusk. Do NOT apply outside at
other times, even if overcast! Application within a UV filtered
environment during daylight hours is ok. - Ensure that the soil temperature exceeds 15 o C.
- Ensure that the area to be treated has been irrigated and that the
soil is moist. - Allow 20-30 minutes re-hydration before applying nematodes.
- Spray the area as evenly as possible. In some cases, greater evenness may be achieved by spraying in a cross-hatch pattern, ensuring that the suspension is agitated or stirred at 5 minute intervals, as the nematodes will settle to the bottom of the vessel.
- Irrigate well immediately after treatment, and maintain moist soil
conditions for the next 7 to 10 days.
Pump Sprayer
Nematodes are easily applied with a watering can.
- Only apply Beneficial Nematodes at dusk. Do NOT apply outside at
other times, even if overcast! Application within a UV filtered
environment during daylight hours is ok. - Ensure that the soil temperature exceeds 15 o C.
- Ensure that the area to be treated has been irrigated and that the
soil is moist. - Allow 20-30 minutes re-hydration before applying nematodes.
- Spray the area as evenly as possible. In some cases, greater evenness may be achieved by spraying in a cross-hatch pattern, ensuring that the suspension is agitated or stirred at 5 minute intervals, as the nematodes will settle to the bottom of the vessel.
- Irrigate well immediately after treatment, and maintain moist soil
conditions for the next 7 to 10 days.
FAQ
WHAT IS THE AVAILABILITY?
Argentine Scarab Treatment is generally available from September through to May, although
quantities may be limited during these fringe months. During periods of high demand, slight
delays in product availability may be experienced.
CAN THE PRODUCT BE STORED?
Whilst the product is best used fresh, it may be stored at a lower constant room temperature
out of sunlight for up to three weeks. This nematode MUST NOT BE REFRIGERATED.
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ARE THERE ANY APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?
Only apply Beneficial Nematodes at dusk outdoors. Do NOT apply at other times,
even if it is overcast, as they cannot tolerate high UV light ie direct sun. If applying
within a UV protected greenhouse, this restriction does not apply.
Do not apply when the ambient air temperature exceeds 32°C, or the soil
temperature exceeds 25°C or is below 15°C as the nematodes will become stressed
or will be inactive.
Avoid high or drying winds as this will dehydrate the nematodes.
Ensure treated area is irrigated both before and after application as the nematodes
require moisture for movement and need to be washed off into the soil where the pest
is.
Apply your nematodes as evenly as possible as they don’t travel far.
Maintain moist soil conditions for not less than two weeks after treatment (to ensure
a favourable environment for the second generation).
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WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING BENEFICIAL NEMATODES OVER
TRADITIONAL INSECTICIDES?
Safe for the environment & the family
Seek out prey
Combat’s chemical resistance
These natural predators won’t harm people, pets, plants or beneficial insects
Easy to apply
Non – polluting
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES AND
BENEFICIAL NEMATODES (ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES , OR EN’s)?
Plant Parasitic Nematodes have a stylet or spear at their head end, rather like a hypodermic
syringe, which is used to pierce plant cells and then suck out fluids from within the cells.
The Beneficial Nematodes have no such stylet, and are about as similar to plant parasitic
nematodes as human beings are to goldfish.
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IS THE PRODUCT SAFE TO OTHER ORGANISMS?
Definitely! Beneficial Nematodes are naturally occurring organisms that are mass reared.
They will not affect earthworms, microbes or any other beneficial organisms.
They are “totally safe”. The APVMA has exempted Entomopathogenic Nematodes from
registration in Australia. The Beneficial Nematodes are supplied in a cellulose-based carrier.
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ARE BENEFICIAL NEMATODES COMPATABLE WITH OTHER PRODUCTS I USE?
Beneficial Nematodes are resistant to most chemicals as they are protected as infective
juveniles by a sheath.
Even chemicals that have shown an effect have only had a transient effect if placed in contact
with for a short period of time. pH will have no affect and Electrical Conductivity (EC) is not an
issue with the infective juveniles.
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WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE BENEFICIAL
NEMATODES IF THE WATER SOURCE AVAILABLE IS TOO COLD OR NIGHTS
HAVE BEEN GETTING COLD, OR THE DAYS TOO HOT?
Soil temperatures need to be above 15C at the time of application for the beneficial
nematodes to be active.
Below this temperature the nematodes will be inactive but will resume activity once
temperatures have risen. They will only be permanently harmed if refrigerated.
At too high a temperature, the nematodes will dry out and can perish.
Consider that soil media temperatures will probably be higher than air temperatures in most
cases.
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HOW ARE THEY APPLIED ?
Beneficial Nematodes are supplied in a cellulose-based carrier and can be applied with any
equipment traditionally used for spray applications. Always remove filters finer than 0.5mm
(500m). They can be applied with a watering can, pump sprayers, trigger sprayers or simple
click on, hose end venturi sprayers.
Stir every 5 minutes where agitation doesn’t exist as they will settle.
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HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I APPLY WITH?
Beneficial Nematodes move around in a film of moisture. Applying with more water is better
but consider that you need to deliver the nematodes near the surface for some products.
The other important point is to apply the correct amount of nematodes as evenly as possible
over the given area with enough water to achieve permeation and not excessive run off.
Beneficial Nematodes will work best in moist soil, bare ground, and in areas with minimal
vegetation.
They are reported to work great in kennels with cement floors. The ground must be kept wet
so a quick daily spraying would be beneficial.
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HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO APPLY BENEFICIAL NEMATODES?
Scarab curl grubs are best treated when the larvae are visible and active, or when damage
begins to be noticed.
Adult beetles can fly in lay eggs, and as a result treatment on one year may not fully protect
for subsequent years. If you have a history of infestations or notice larger numbers of adult
beetles, then a preventative treatment may be considered.
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I HAVE APPLIED THE NEMATODES, BUT THE GRUB LARVAE ARE STILL
PRESENT?
The Beneficial Nematodes attack the curl grub larvae stage within the soil to stop the life
cycle. You can expect control of approximately 90-95% of larvae, which exceeds the results of
chemical alternatives. The lower number of remaining grubs should be below the threshold at
which damage is caused.
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CAN I GET TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ?
You sure can!
Please call 02 6284 3844, or send us an email via the Contact Us function
Coverage m2
Single Pack – $66.00 – Covers 60m2
Double Pack – $110.00 – Covers 120m2
Triple Pack – $132.00 – Covers 200m2
