Best Choice For Subterranean Pest Control in Lawn & Turf Environments!
NemAttack Beneficial Nematodes, Steinernema riobrave, are naturally occurring, soil dwelling ambush predators that control a wide range of turf and citrus pests including armyworms, black cutworms, citrus weevils and Japanese Beetle grubs. They are also significantly more effective for treatment of subterranean termites than some of their counterparts. Similar to other nematode species, S. riobrave release a bacteria once they have infected the pest. This bacteria slows feeding and kills the pest within 24-48 hours of infection. The beneficial nematodes will continue to reproduce inside their host after death and emerge ready to infect other hosts. S. riobrave is safe for use around consumable crops, pets, livestock and in indoor growing.
Shelf Life: Use as soon as possible. If you cannot apply the day of receipt, refreeze the ice pack included and store in the shipment container. Do not refrigerate.
How Much Do I Need? Order enough to treat the full infested area. Quantities and treatment areas are approximate.
Quantity Treatment Area Shipping Method
5 Million 1,600 sq. ft. 2nd Day
10 Million 3,200 sq. ft. 2nd Day
50 Million 1 Acre 2nd Day
250 Million 5 Acres Next Day
500 Million 10 Acres Next Day
1.5 Billion 30 Acres Next Day
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Armyworm, Black Cutworms, Black Vine Weevil, Blue Green Weevil, Chafers, Citrus Root Weevil, Citrus Weevil, Corn Earworm, Diaprepes Root Weevil, Greater Wax Moth, Green June Beetle, Hive Beetle, Indian Meal Moth, Japanese Beetle Grub, Masked Chafer, May/June Beetle, Mole Crickets, Pink Bollworm, Plum Curculio, Red Flour Beetle, Strawberry Weevil, Subterranean Termites
Control stubborn pests in hot climates with Steinernema Riobrave beneficial nematodes—a powerful, eco-friendly solution for eliminating over a dozen destructive insect species hiding in your soil.
These microscopic predators are known for their heat tolerance (up to 95°F / 35°C) and unique foraging behavior that blends ambush and cruiser strategies, allowing them to actively seek out and destroy pests even in extreme conditions.
Once inside their target insect, Riobrave nematodes release symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus spp.), which causes fatal septicemia within 24–48 hours.
Kills Over 15 Soil-Dwelling Pests, Including:
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Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
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Plum Curculio (Conotrachelus nenuphar)
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Mole Crickets
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Citrus Root Weevils (Diaprepes abbreviatus, Pachnaeus spp.)
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Beet Armyworm (Spodoptera exigua)
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Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata)
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Codling Moth (Cydia pomonella)
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Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
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Sweetpotato Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)
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Shore Flies, Leafminers, Thrips & more...
Why Choose Steinernema Riobrave?
🔥 High Heat Tolerance
Functions effectively from 59°F to 95°F (15°C–35°C), making it ideal for southern U.S. climates and greenhouse growers.
🧠 Smarter Foraging
Unlike other species, Riobrave uses a hybrid strategy—waiting for host movement and actively pursuing pests in the soil.
💣 Fast & Lethal Action
Releases lethal Xenorhabdus bacteria inside pest bodies, wiping them out in under 48 hours.
🌱 100% Safe & Organic
Non-toxic to plants, pollinators, pets, and people. A perfect solution for organic growers, home gardens, and commercial agriculture.
How It Works:
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Apply to moist soil using a sprayer or watering can.
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Nematodes penetrate insect hosts through natural openings.
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Symbiotic bacteria are released, killing the insect within 1–2 days.
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Nematodes reproduce inside the carcass and continue hunting new pests.
Where to Use It:
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Gardens
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Lawns
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Greenhouses
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Citrus groves
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Farms
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Golf courses and turf areas
Application Tips:
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Apply early morning or evening to avoid UV damage.
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Maintain moist soil for at least 7 days post-application.
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Reapply every 2–4 weeks for heavy infestations or in high-risk seasons.
Safe for Use Around:
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Children & pets
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Edible plants & produce
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Bees and other beneficial insects
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Soil microbes and native nematodes
Pack Sizes & Coverage:
Choose from multiple sizes to treat everything from small garden plots to large commercial operations.
Backed by Research
This product is supported by dozens of peer-reviewed studies on entomopathogenic nematodes. Learn more in our education hub.
Frequently Asked Questions about Steinernema riobrave (FAQ)
What are NemAttack beneficial nematodes?
NemAttack nematodes contain Steinernema riobrave, a naturally occurring, soil-dwelling predator that targets and kills over 15 types of underground pests. These include armyworms, citrus root weevils, mole crickets, and Japanese beetle grubs.
How do Steinernema riobrave nematodes work?
Once applied to moist soil, these nematodes seek out insect larvae using a unique ambush/cruiser hybrid foraging strategy. After entering the pest through natural body openings, they release Xenorhabdus bacteria that kill the host within 24–48 hours.
What pests do these nematodes control?
NemAttack controls a wide range of turf, citrus, and garden pests including:
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Corn earworm
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Japanese beetle grubs
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Mole crickets
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Citrus root weevils
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Armyworms
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Plum curculio
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Codling moth
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Black vine weevils
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And many more
Are NemAttack nematodes safe to use around people and pets?
Yes. Steinernema riobrave is completely non-toxic to humans, pets, livestock, pollinators, and beneficial insects. It’s safe to use in lawns, gardens, and food-growing environments.
Can I use NemAttack indoors or in greenhouses?
Absolutely. These nematodes perform well in indoor grow environments, greenhouses, and mushroom houses. They remain effective in a wide temperature range from 59°F to 95°F (15°C to 35°C).
When is the best time to apply nematodes?
Apply in the early morning or evening when sunlight is low to prevent UV damage. Keep the soil moist for at least 7 days to support nematode survival and reproduction.
How much area does each pack cover?
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5 Million: up to 1,600 sq. ft.
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10 Million: up to 3,200 sq. ft.
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50 Million: 1 acre
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250 Million: 5 acres
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500 Million: 10 acres
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1.5 Billion: 30 acres
How should I store NemAttack nematodes if I can't apply them right away?
If immediate application isn’t possible, refreeze the included ice pack and store the nematodes in the shipping container. Do not refrigerate. Use as soon as possible for best results.
Can NemAttack be used for subterranean termites?
Yes. Steinernema riobrave has demonstrated effectiveness against subterranean termites and may perform better than other nematode species for this purpose.
How often should I reapply the nematodes?
For ongoing control or severe infestations, reapply every 2–4 weeks. For prevention, a seasonal or bi-monthly application is typically sufficient.