Natural Flea Control: How to Get Rid of Fleas Naturally
(Page 2 of 3)
August/September 1995
By Amanda Ream
The nematodes come packaged in a seven-ounce container that holds more than 75 million worms in a comatose state for up to five months. "They are alive, but not doing a whole heck of a lot," Ross says.
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These parasitic nematodes are now available in three different varieties from Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply:
"Steinernema carpocapsae are best suited to cooler climates, and are most effective against mobile pests such as termites, fleas, webworms, sod webworm and more.
Steinernema feltiae are similar to Steinernema carpocapsae except they are best suited to warmer climates.
Heterohabditis bacteriophora are adapted to all climates, and are most effective against sedentary pests, such as grubs, root weevils, ants, juvenile and queen, termites and more." - Mother
The worms can be used in any climate, as long as their food source is available. Across the country, wetter climates have the worst flea problems, but the nematodes aren't regionalist. Wherever there are fleas, they'll be ready to kill. The worms will work in a variety of places beside the garden, such as on gravel, and the bark of some trees. "Once they're out there, and if it's moist enough, they'll start hunting," says Doug Ross. And the nematodes will keep on searching for their next flea meal for up to six weeks after the last flea has died, preventing new fleas from reinfesting the area.
The reliable nematode kills off only harmful bugs, says Ross, who has helped develop Bio Flea Halt! The nematode won't harm the other beneficial bugs that live in backyard soil, he says, so the natural ecosystem of the yard is preserved.
Of course, Ross has a vested interest in the promotion of the nematode, but Dr. Albrecht Koppenhofer, a researcher at the University of California at Davis's Department of Nematology, agrees that the nematode is as amazing as it sounds.
"Studies have shown that most beneficial insects are immune to nematodes," says Koppenhofer. "In nature the host range is restricted."
