Which Cemicals Are Safe for Beneficial Nematodes?
If you're using beneficial nematodes to naturally control pests in your garden or lawn, it's essential to know which chemicals are compatible with them. Some active ingredients can safely be used alongside nematodes, while others require waiting periods to avoid harming these helpful organisms.
To ensure success, always check the "Active Ingredients" section on the label of your chosen product. Many products may have different trade names but share the same chemical ingredients.
Need clarification? If the active ingredient isn’t listed below, feel free to contact us or leave a comment—we’re happy to assist!
Chemicals that are Compatible with Beneficial Nemaotdes
Azadirachtin | Esfenvalerate | Nicotine sulfite |
Bacillus thuringiensis | Etridiazole | Oxyzalin |
Benomyl | Fatty Acids | PCNB |
Bifenthrin | Fenoxycarb | Permethrin |
Bromine-chlorine | Fluvalinate | Pyrethrins |
Chlorothalanil | Fosethyl-Al | Rotenone |
Chlorthal dimethyl | Glyphosphate | Thiophanate-methyl |
Copper hydroxide | Imidacloprid | Triademefon |
Cyflutrin | Iprodione | Vinclozolln |
Cypermethrin | Kinoprene | Weedone |
Diatomaceous earth (DE) | Metalaxyl | Wide range of soluble fertilizers |
Dienochlor | Methidathion | +MORE |
Diflubenzuron | Methoprene |
Wait One Week Before Introducing Beneficial Nematodes:
The following chemicals may harm nematodes if applied simultaneously. Wait at least one week after using these products before introducing beneficial nematodes:
Anilazine | Mercurous chloride | Triclorpyr |
Azinphos-methyl | 2, 4-D | Fenarimol |
Benzalkonium chloride | Methomyl | Furalaxyl |
Bendiocarb | Malathion | +MORE |
Wait Two Weeks Before Introducing Beneficial Nematodes:
The following chemicals require a two-week waiting period to ensure they do not negatively affect beneficial nematodes:
Addstem | Carbofuran | Oxamyl |
Agrodime | Ethoprop | +MORE |
Agromil | Isazophos | |
Aimphon | Fenamiphos |
Still Have Questions?
If your product's active ingredient isn’t listed here, don’t worry! Leave a comment below or contact us directly, and we’ll help you determine compatibility.
We’re always looking to improve A Bugs Blog: Nature’s Good Guys to the Rescue!—let us know what topics you’d like to see next.
Comments
Michelle Murray said:
Hello! I wanted to be sure it is safe to add my Nematodes after using Foliage Pro liquid fertilizer? Ingredients are Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (9-3-6). I could not find any other info on active ingredients on the bottle. Thank you! Michelle
Brittany Jones said:
What about a mixture of eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil and Castile soap and water? Sprayed from a pump sprayer.
Danell Hiltz said:
May I safely overseed lawn and apply Dr Earth Life fertilizer (Fish bone meal, fish meal, alfalfa meal, feather meal, potassium sulfate, bat guano, kelp meal, soft rock phosphate, cottonseed meal, seaweed extract and seven strains of Pro-Biotic beneficial soil microbes, PLUS Ecto and Endo Mycorrhizae.) at the same time as beneficial nematodes?
Scott said:
People come here and ask you questions but you don’t answer them?
Howard said:
How about the active ingredient “Spinosad” in Captain Jacks “Deadbug”, and “Zeta-Cypermethrin” in Sevin?? When can apply them after beneficial nemotodes are spread on garden?? Also do I apply nemotodes once in the spring before planting over the whol garden or do I apply them just to the plant area after plants are established, also do I have to reapply nemotodes throughout the growing season??
Lynise P. said:
I did not see Lambda-Cyhalothrin on your list of what is safe and not safe for use of beneficial nematodes. I used the Garden Tech Sevin Insect Killer 6 days ago on my garden. I am safe to use my nematodes?
Thank you so much and I hope this kills all my grubs in my garden.
Annette van Achterberg said:
Is Neem oil safe to use with nematodes? I have the 3 in 1 mix.
Tegan said:
I am planning on applying sulphur this spring and spraying nematodes. Does sulphur hurt nematodes? Should the applications of each e spaced out?
Rodney Anderson said:
If I apply Beneficial Nematodes Species: HB + SC + SF in the spring will chlorantraniliprole applied in mid summer affect the Beneficial Nematodes Species: HB + SC + SF
Brandon said:
Curious about these not listed, there are different BT strains one being- Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis… how does that effect the sf-sc-hb population?
Beauveria Bassiana?
neem oil?
spinosad?
Pyrethrins?
oleic acid?
Sulphur?
oils like thyme, basil and mint…etc.
Kate said:
I use Sunday Lawn Care on my lawn. Will their products harm nematodes?
terry said:
My Dad uses a couple products with Lambda-Cyhalothrin. I don’t see it listed as compatible. Can you advise as to whether this will adversely affect my Good Guys please? Also, may I ask for your favorite sites to research both the nasty chemicals as well as trusted and effective holistic and natural pest control products? Oh, almost forgot…I LOVE YOU GUYS! Thank You!
Deborah said:
Is First Saturday Lime (“FSL is primarily 2 types of lime: hydrated lime and citric acid from limes”) compatible with or detrimental to beneficial nematodes?
Paula said:
How long do I need to wait to apply nematodes after having applied Trichlorfon?
Lisa said:
How long should I wait after applying my nematodes to use a weed and feed fertilizer on the lawn
Kathy said:
may I use sulfur and gypsum ?
Brian said:
Used Safari (Dinotefurin) as a soil drenchon raised bed in March. Probably leached out by now but want to know if there is a risk to new nematode application .
Thuy-Ai Nguyen said:
Hello, I just applied your triple threat beneficial nematodes and am wondering if I can use Sluggo Plus (contains iron phosphate and spinosad)?
Thank you!
Lisa Hall said:
Can Spinosad be used with (or before) beneficial nematodes? I’m considering doing a Spinosad soil drench in my raised beds to kill flea beetle and cucumber beetle nymphs in the soil in very early spring, which is also where I would use the beneficial nematodes.
Russ said:
We have a garden, grow cut flowers, and have a small orchard. We also have some bee hives.
My wife wants to go as natural as possible. Could you put me together a rather broad spectrum package that is ok for the wildlife and bees?
Russ said:
We have a garden, grow cut flowers, and have a small orchard. We also have some bee hives.
My wife wants to go as natural as possible. Could you put me together a rather broad spectrum package that is ok for the wildlife and bees?
Don Pambin said:
I sprayed my asparagus with Sevin liquid, active ingredient: Zeta-Cypermethrin, to treat an active infestation of asparagus beetles/larvae. Do I need to take precautions with my beneficial nematodes?
Karl Thor said:
I have a Japanese Beetle infestation, and I’m wondering if I should buy NaturesGoodGuys – Triple Blend Beneficial Nematodes HB+SC+SF (50 Million) or NaturesGoodGuys Beneficial Nematodes Heterohabditis bacteriophora HB -Ships from USA (50 Million). I have about 3,000 s.f. to cover. I am concerned that the 50 million worms in your triple mixture will only have 16.7 million Hb worms and that may not be enough for 3,000 s.f. to kill the beetles, but if there are, then I would like the added protection of the triple mixture.
Please advise. Thanks!
Nathan said:
Can I use OrganiShield and/or Athena IPM when using the tri-blend nematodes?
Al Moss said:
Can I apply fertilizer 1 week or more after applying beneficial nematoads?
Steve Warren said:
How long should I wait after applying my nematodes to use a weed and feed fertilizer on the lawn?
Angela Fox said:
I have been using Arber Bio Insecticide. I would like to know if using this in conjunction with the nematodes would be counterproductive. Obviously do not want to harm them.
I have copied what Arber has on there website about the active ingredients. Please advise. Thank you kindly!!!
“Active Ingredients:
Heat-killed Burkholderia spp, strain A396 and spent fermentation media spent fermentation media: 94.46%
Other Ingredients: 5.54%
*Contains not less than 1,500 Beet Armyworm Killing Units (BAWKU)/mg of active ingredient. Note: The percent active ingredient does not indicate product performance and potency measurements are not federally standardized.”
DEBORAH HEESEN said:
Can I use nematodes for flea control if I am also using First Saturday Lime?
Sushma said:
Is spinosad hatful for nematodes?
Tom Perkins said:
Hi. bought your hb, sc,sf nematodes. Are they compatible with SNS 209 systemic pest control?
Not sure but looks like the only active ingredient is Rosemary.
Walter Eason said:
Is Spinosad (A & D) bad for beneficial nematodes with the triple mix? What if any hold time is necessary.
Sue Rutkowski said:
Can I use natural products like Wondercide and Vets Best Yard and Kennel Spray with Nemotodes?
David said:
How do I have to wait after applying Atrazine
Holly Larsen said:
Is Neem oil, neem cake or Cal Mag ok?
Thanks!
Bonnie said:
Can Growers Trust nematode control be used with your beneficial nematodes sf?
B said:
Is Triclopyr, triethylamine salt 8.0% compatible?
G said:
Is the SF nematodes safe to use in a household with cats? is it compatible to mix in with fertilizer?
G said:
Is Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bti) with nematodes?
Mel said:
Are the Beneficial Nematodes sensitive to Bora Care?
Angela said:
I have another question, how about Ammonium Laurel Sulfate?
Angela said:
I have the same question as Bob.
Jess said:
Seven dust is my primary insecticide but I only use it on tomato horn worms . Will this harm nematodes if I purchase them?
Chiaki Treynor said:
Is captain Jack’s dead bug mix compatible?
Bob said:
Can I use dormant spray (mineral oil) and nematodes together or apart?
Tessa Hudson said:
Any idea when nematodes will be available again?