Carpo Nematodes - Anti-Thrips - Nematodes against thrips

The Carpo Nematodes contain Steinernema carpocapsae, microscopic entomopathogenic worms conditioned in an inert support.

These living organisms actively search for thrips larvae in the substrate. Once they locate them, they penetrate their bodies and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the larva within 24 to 48 hours. The nematodes then reproduce within the host before setting out to find new prey.

Apply them as soon as you receive them because they are living organisms with a limited lifespan outside of the soil.

Avoid exposing them to direct UV light or extreme temperatures, which would reduce their effectiveness.

Dilute the sachet in the indicated amount of water, at room temperature between 15 and 25°C.

Cold or hot water can shock nematodes and reduce their activity. Stir the solution regularly during application, as nematodes tend to settle at the bottom of the container.

Water the substrate of each infested plant generously, ensuring the entire surface is thoroughly moistened. Treat preferably in the late afternoon to avoid UV exposure.

Do not leave the solution to stand for more than two hours before use, the nematodes will lose vitality.

Thrips feed by piercing plant cells and sucking out their contents, creating characteristic silvery mottling on the leaves.

This feeding weakens the plant by reducing its photosynthetic capacity. Thrips reproduce rapidly, and their larvae hide in the substrate, rendering surface treatments ineffective. An untreated infestation can deform new shoots and transmit plant viruses.

Calathea, Monstera and plants with fine foliage are particularly susceptible to these pests.

Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves where adult thrips like to hide.

Several factors can reduce the effectiveness of nematodes: substrate too dry, unsuitable temperature or expired nematodes.

Nematodes need moisture to move through the substrate. If the substrate dries out too quickly, they die before reaching their targets. Keep the substrate slightly moist for at least a week after treatment. Also, ensure the ambient temperature is between 15 and 25°C.

The nematodes target only the larvae in the soil, not the adults on the foliage. Combine with a foliar treatment of black soap to eliminate visible thrips.

A second pass two weeks later allows us to target the new generations of larvae.

To maximize effectiveness, combine substrate treatment with a foliar treatment that targets adult thrips.

Use afine mist sprayerwith a solution of diluted black soap on the foliage.Care Packcontains everything needed for this complementary treatment.

Clean the leaves withcleaning glovesto mechanically eliminate eggs and adults.

After treatment, strengthen your plants with abalanced fertilizerto promote the recovery of damaged foliage.

Carpo nematodes specifically target thrips larvae in the substrate, where conventional insecticides and sticky traps do not work.

Unlike chemical treatments, they do not create resistance in pests and leave no toxic residue. Sticky traps capture only flying adults without harming the larvae that ensure the next generation. Oils and soaps treat the foliage but do not reach the substrate.

Nematodes complement these methods by eliminating the larval reservoir that perpetuates the infestation.

For complete eradication, the combination of nematodes plus foliar treatment remains the most effective strategy.