Flea – FLEANEM

Flea – FLEANEM

$55.00 – $175.00

Fleanem® Flea treatment actively seeks out and kills pre-adult flea larvae, eggs and pupae and stops their emergence as adults. It is suitable for household applications. Pre-adult fleas make up approximately 95% of the flea population. Controlling at this stage is the most effective way in which to combat fleas, and to stop their life cycle.
Fleanem® is used as both a Preventative and Curative solution.

Contains: Steinernema carpocapsae as infective juveniles.

Please read the product details on coverage section to make sure that the product coverage is suitable. Coverage as below is for curative/preventative.

SKU: FLEA25, FLEA50 Categories: ,

Fleanem® Beneficial Nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae) are natural predators. They have been shown to be the most effective solution for the control of the 3 major life cycle stages of pre-adult fleas – being eggs, larvae, and pupae.
The flea life cycle consists of 4 stages. They are the egg, larvae, pupae and adult. Up to 95% of the flea population are in the pupae and larvae stage, where they can live for extended periods of time awaiting the right indicators to hatch as adults. The life cycle can range from 2 weeks to 9 months depending on conditions. The adult is the only stage where fleas live on the pet.

Adult fleas require a food source, and as such they are a noticeable problem to pets in this adult stage. The adult then lay their eggs on the pet, and these eggs drop off where the pet lies or plays. This is often the garden area where the pet is more prone to rolling and sleeping. A fertile female flea will typically lay about 200 eggs per month. As these continue to hatch, the treatment of adult fleas becomes a never-ending process.

Fleas can do more than just irritate. Some pets are ultra sensitive to flea saliva, and fleas are known to carry disease. Flea saliva is injected just below the pet’s skin when bitten, and can contain a dozen allergy inducing substances. Flea dermatitis is the most common allergy detected in dogs, and is brought on by the bite of a flea.

Control of fleas needs to be actioned across all aspects of the pet’s environment. While people routinely treat the pet with tablets, collars and shampoos; and the house with flea bombs and vacuuming; the garden area is generally overlooked.
The most effective control for the garden is through the use of beneficial nematodes to target the pre-adult flea stages. The nematodes actively seek out flea larvae, pupae and eggs by following the carbon dioxide trails emitted by them. They then enter them through natural body openings and they emit a bacteria that results in the death of the host insect within 48 hours. This bacteria is harmless to humans and other animals, and serves as a food source for the nematode.
The nematodes reproduce inside the dead host and their offspring then feed on the insect cadaver and emerge to seek out new hosts. Hundreds of offspring emerge in about 14 days and search for new prey. If there are no more flea larvae to be found, the nematodes will then starve and biodegrade.
The life cycle can continue for several generations as long as there are larvae to prey on and the soil conditions are adequate.

Nematodes are harmless to all other non-target animals and organisms, as well as being safe near water environments, and safe for humans and wildlife. They have been used for years as a biological control mainly in commercial environments, but are now available for smaller domestic treatments.
The chemical alternative of flea control outside is by way of a toxic drench to the garden and lawn. This option is less effective due to the inability of the chemicals to obtain uniform coverage, their tendency to leach away, and the need for them to come into direct contact with the larvae to be effective. There are also concerns with the environmental impact posed by continued chemical applications. Most chemicals are harmful and concentrations can build up over time leaving residual toxins. Many of these have been known to cause health issues with pets (and humans) after continued exposure. There is also a growing rate of resistance that many treated pests are finding to chemicals commonly overused by society today. While insects can build up a resistance to chemicals, they cannot build up any resistance to nematodes.
Chemical options are also an expensive option for a normal yard, while nematodes will cost significantly less and be more effective. A single application should be adequate to control the immediate problem. However, as fleas can travel into an area from other hosts, or your pet may pick up adults while outside your property, it may be necessary to routinely treat as part of the holistic flea control approach.

The only requirement for nematode application, is that the soil be watered before and after the nematodes are applied, and moisture be maintained in the following days. They should be applied at dusk as they are susceptible to ultra violet light. It is ok for pets to have access to the treated area straight away.
For flea control; nematodes are applied liberally over the area around where pet sleeps or frequents, using a garden sprayer or watering can. Flea larvae are more likely to be found in damp and moist areas, often under a tree or in shade that the pet may frequently rest under while outside. Control begins within 24 hours of treatment and lasts for up to several months. This control will be via stopping new adults emerging. Studies have shown up to 95% effectiveness in killing pre-adult fleas within 48 hours, with increased mortality via the second generation of nematodes.
Nematodes can be used as a curative to solve a current infestation (with half applied initially and the remainder in 14 day), or as a preventative which is best applied in spring and late summer.

Apply at a rate of 50 Million nematodes per 50 m2 as a curative or 50 Million nematodes per 100 m2 as a preventative.
For smaller areas or if using for a heavy infestation, apply a third of the pack at a time, 7-10 days apart to ensure no product is wasted. Application by this method is better than over-applying in a single dose.

Soil temperature should be above 15C at the time of application for nematodes to be active.
Apply by watering can, pump sprayer or knap sack after removing any fine filters (< 0.5 mm). They can also be applied with some brands of hose end sprayers .
Store unused product properly sealed and in a household refrigerator properly sealed for up to 3-4 weeks after arrival.

Additional information

Size

25 Million (Small), 50 Million (Small – Double Pack), 75 Million (Small – Triple Pack), 50 Million (large), 100 Million (Large- Double Pack), 150 Million (Large – Triple Pack), test size

Information

Contains: Steinernema carpocapsae as infective juveniles.

For control of pre-adult flea stages only – larvae, pupae and eggs

Storage.

Ideally, the product should be used when fresh, however with care, this product may be stored flat and properly sealed in a household refrigerator between 4oC and 8oC for up to three weeks. The product must not be stored at less than 4oC for ANY period.

How are Beneficial Nematodes applied?

Beneficial Nematodes are applied like any conventional spray application via a back-pack sprayer, boom spray, watering can or venturi hose end sprayer. Just remove any fine filters (less than 0.5mm). There is no need for any protective equipment as required for chemical applications.

Whilst the application of Beneficial Nematodes is easy, the correct handling of the product and timing of the application is critical to its success. Please read and follow the shipping instructions carefully.

How often will I need to apply Beneficial Nematodes?

Each application will control existing pre-adults flea stages present. Subsequent generations  of nematodes will emerge to continue control, and this process will exist until no more flea larvae are present in the treated area.

It is best to apply half of the quantity ordered on arrival and the other half in 10-14 days. The remainder will store in the refrigerator.

When should Beneficial Nematodes be applied?

Soil temperatures need to be above 15C at the time of application for the beneficial nematodes to be active.

Application is suitable when adults are noticed, as this in indicative of eggs and larvae.

In severe cases, you’ll need to re-apply nematodes every 5 to 6 weeks during the flea’s breeding months for them to be the most effective, due to the possibility of new introductions by pets and wild animals

Alternatively apply as a preventative control strategy early Spring and late Summer/early Autumn

Will Beneficial Nematodes damage beneficial soil organisms?

Definitely not! Beneficial Nematodes are naturally occurring organisms that are mass reared. They will not affect earthworms, microbes or any other beneficial organisms

Application

Handling Instructions:

  1. The product is best used on arrival, however with care, this product may be stored for a limited period. Contains: Steinernema carpocapase as Infective Juveniles.
  2. The nematodes come in a cellulose powder solution and in a dehydrated and hibernated state.

The product may be stored in a refrigerator at between 4oC and 8oC for up to three weeks. The product must not be stored at less than 4oC for ANY period.

Application Instructions:

  1. Only apply nematodes at Do NOT apply outside at other times, even if overcast!
  2. Ensure that the soil temperature exceeds 12o
  3. Ensure that the area to be treated has been irrigated and that the soil is moist.
  4. Allow 20-25 minutes re-hydration before applying EN’s.
  5. 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.
  6. Irrigate well immediately after treatment, and maintain moist soil conditions for the next 7 to 10 days.

Application Rate:

Curative – When applied as a curative for an existing pest problem, a higher dosage is required as indicated in the treatment application coverage. As a curative, two applications are recommended for best results, to apply half of the quantity ordered on arrival and the other half in 10-14 days. Either make sure you have ordered enough product for this second application or schedule to order again in this period – for best results.

Apply at a rate of 50 million nematodes per 50 m2.

Preventative – As a preventative apply in advance of historical seasonal infestations. Apply at a rate of 50 million nematodes per 100 m2.

Apply as evenly as possible with enough water during and after application to maintain a moist environment in the top layers of the soil.

Application Methods:

Watering Can

Nematodes are easily applied with a watering can.

  1. Fill a watering can with plain water, and apply to the area to be treated to determine either what percentage of that area it will cover, or measure how many square metres. As an example – if the full watering can covers 1/5 of the area to be treated, you will need 5 full cans for total coverage. If it covers 25m2 out of an area of 125m2, you will need 5 full watering cans.
  2. Using tepid water, prepare for a stock solution easily measurable into the number of watering cans required to assist with even application. For the best ratio we suggest approximately 500ml per standard 9 litre watering can. For the example above, 500ml x 5 cans = 2.5 litres of water required. A used ice cream container is an easy option for the stock solution, or a bucket for larger areas. Add the nematodes to be used to the stock water and gently mix.
  3. Allow 20-30 minutes for the nematodes to re-hydrate.
  4. Agitate the nematode stock solution to re-suspend the nematodes, and add the appropriate proportion of the stock to the watering can. In the above example, this would be 1/5 of the stock, or 500ml. Fill up the can with tap water.
  5. Apply evenly to the treatment area, agitate occasionally to ensure nematodes have not sunk to the bottom of the can to ensure even dispersion.
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all solution is used, and the total treatment area has been covered.
  7. Ensure all solution is used within one hour of initial stock mixing.
  8. Some carrier cellulose may not fully dissolve and can block watering can holes, so monitor and clear holes as necessary. If the flow from the can is too strong, taping up some of the holes can assist with control.
  9. Once all the solution is used, for best results again lightly irrigate the area that has been treated (a hose is ok) to assist in washing the nematodes into the media.

Hose End Sprayer (Venturi)

Nematodes can be applied with a suitable venturi sprayer with a click on hose fitting. This can be easier for larger areas. A suitable sprayer will have an aperture hole that enters the spray head no smaller than 2.5 mm.

  1. Ensure that all components of the sprayer are properly connected, and pre-irrigate the treatment area with water only in the sprayer only to determine the flow rate and approximate coverage timing. Ensure all the area to be treated has been pre-watered.
  1. As a general guide, a typical sprayer with a 1 litre reservoir will cover 100m2
  1. Using tepid water, prepare a stock solution easily measurable into the number of full sprayer bottles that will be required. For a 1 litre sprayer we suggest no more than 25 million nematodes to 1 litre of water or the mixture will become too thick.

Apply in across hatch pattern by going over the treatment area twice in two different directions.

  1. Continue to spray evenly until all of the product has been used. Agitate by shaking the sprayer regularly to avoid the nematodes settling to the bottom of the reservoir and assist with even application

Pump Sprayer

Nematodes can be applied with a pump up style sprayer using low pressure.

  1. Pre-irrigate the area to be treated well prior to nematode application
  2. Ensure that all filters have been removed.
  3. Add the required nematodes for the intended treatment area to be covered to the sprayer container, and fill with required level of water
  4. Allow to stand for 20-30 minutes for the nematodes to re-hydrate
  5. Continue to spray evenly until all the product has been used. Make sure that you shake or otherwise agitate the solution every couple of minutes to aerate the solution and stop the nematodes settling to the bottom.
  6. Lightly irrigate with clear water within 30 minutes of applying to avoid nematodes drying out on the surface of the media or the foliage.

FAQ

WHAT IS THE AVAILABILITY?

Fleanem® is available all year. During periods of high demand, slight delays in product availability may be experienced.

CAN THE PRODUCT BE STORED?

Whilst product is best used fresh, it can be stored flat in a refrigerator at between 4 and 8 degrees celsius for up to 3 weeks. Higher shelves and door racks are best. This product must not be stored at less than 4 degrees Celsius for ANY period.

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

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.

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 NRA has exempted Entomopathogenic Nematodes from registration in Australia. The beneficial nematodes are supplied in a cellulose-based carrier.

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.

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?

 

At low temperatures the nematodes will be inactive but will resume activity once temperatures have risen. They will only be permanently harmed if frozen.

At too high a temperature, the nematodes will dry out and can perish.

Consider that media temperatures will probably be higher than air temperatures in most cases.

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 (500mm). 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.

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.

DO I NEED TO REMOVE MULCH IN GARDEN BEDS?

Generally no, but additional pre-irrigation may be required. If the mulch is water resistant then it will need to be pulled aside or removed prior to nematode application.

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO APPLY BENEFICIAL NEMATODES?

Unfortunately, fleas can often re-enter the treated area via a host such as pets or wild animals. In such instances, a reapplication may be required if not enough nematodes remain

Best control is achieved by applying half of the quantity ordered on arrival and the other half in 10-14 days. The remainder will store in the refrigerator.

In severe cases, you may need to re-apply nematodes every 5 to 6 weeks during the fleas breeding months for them to be the most effective.

Alternatively apply as a preventative control strategy early Spring and late Summer/early Autumn.

I HAVE APPLIED THE EN’s, THOUGH THE ADULT FLEAS ARE STILL PRESENT?

They will treat the larvae, pupae and eggs. This will break the existing life cycle and stop new adults emerging.

The best strategy is to attack the problem simultaneously on three fronts: indoors, outdoors and on your pets. Use beneficial nematodes for the outdoor component.

CAN I GET TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ?     Please call 02 6284 3844

Coverage m2

Small Pack                                        $55.00 – Covers 50/100m2
Small Pack –      Double Pack        $88.00 – Covers 100/200m2

Small Pack –      Triple Pack          $125.00 – Covers 150/300m2
Large Pack                                        $77.00 – Covers 100/200m2

Large Pack –      Double Pack      $132.00 – Covers 200/400m2
Large Pack –      Triple Pack        $175.00 – Covers 300/600m2

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