We transformed the microscopic small nematode with the Latin name, Steinernema feltiae, into Insect Hero, Felti. Felti is a valued force within the Insect Hero team as he is THE solution for combating insect larvae, such as thrips, leatherjackets and many more. Curious how it can help your plant? Then read on!
Who is Felti?
Felti is a microscopic nematode of approximately 0.3 to 1 mm in size. Despite its short length, it is the natural enemy of various types of insect larvae, such as: thrips pupae, fungus fly larvae, leatherjackets and vine weevil larvae. Felti is also used professionally as a biological control agent against oak processionary caterpillars.
How does Felti work?
Felti cannot walk, swim or crawl, but waits patiently for his victim to pass by. For that reason it is important that the (potting) soil remains moist. The nematodes then sink through the soil, as it were, causing them to spread deeper into the soil.Once a victim is in sight, it is important for the nematode to penetrate through the natural openings. When this is successful, Felti secretes a symbiotic bacterium into the larva.
The bacteria's poisons multiply and eventually kill the larva with their toxins within 24 to 48 hours.
Did you know?The female Felti can lay up to 200 eggs in the larva, which when hatched look for new victims. |
How can you use Felti against your pest?
Felti is quite easy to use for both indoor and outdoor plants. The most important factors to take into account mainly apply when releasing Felti outdoors.The nematode should be released at sunset or on a cloudy day, because Felti dries out quickly if too much UV light shines on it. In addition, the soil temperature is important to take into account. Felti is most effective at a soil temperature of 10 degrees to 25 degrees. It is therefore a nematode that is known for its effectiveness at relatively low temperatures.
Felti is supplied in a powder form, where the smallest package already contains 5,000,000 million nematodes and that quantity is approximately good for 25 houseplants (10m2). You mix the powdery substance with 1L of water and stir the mixture together. Spread the mixture over the potting soil with, for example, a watering can or garden sprinkler.
Did you know?Nematodes are also used at football clubs? The English football club 'Forest Green Rovers' uses nematodes every year to keep the fields pest-free. |
Why choose Felti as your fighter?
Felti is easy to apply and, above all, a natural Hero for combating your insect pest without affecting butterflies, bees or other beneficial insects. The nematode is also a native species as it can also be found in Dutch soil.Using the nematodes in combination with Sticky Leaf sticky traps are extremely effective against fungus flies and thrips. Outdoors, you don't have to worry about sending Felti out alone in the battle against grubs, leatherjackets & the larvae of the vine beetle.
More information? View our Felti product page.
