Entonem (OMRI) — Steinernema feltiae

Nematodes for Soil and Foliar Pest Control

Entonem contains infective third-stage larvae (L3) of Steinernema feltiae, a cold-tolerant entomopathogenic nematode that targets fungus gnats, thrips, beetles, and other pests with soil or foliar life stages. These microscopic roundworms actively seek out insect hosts, enter through natural openings, and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the pest within 24–72 hours. Entonem is OMRI-listed and safe for use in certified organic production.

Entonem is chemical-free, residue-free, and safe for use in greenhouses, nurseries, propagation areas, indoor crops, houseplants, outdoor beds, turf, and hydroponic systems.

Use For

Entonem targets the following pests:

• Fly larvae (Diptera):
  – Sciarid flies (Lycoriella spp., Bradysia spp.)
  – Shore flies (Scatella spp.)
  – Leaf miners (Liriomyza spp.)

• Thrips (Thysanoptera) pupae and larvae:
  – Including Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

• Weevil larvae (Coleoptera):
  – Black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus)
  – Other weevils (Otiorhynchus spp.)

• Caterpillars (Lepidoptera):
  – Tomato leaf miner moth (Tuta absoluta)
  – Oak processionary moth (Thaumetopoea processionea)
  – Common swift moth (Korscheltellus lupulina)
  – Armyworms (Spodoptera spp.)
  – Cotton bollworm (Spodoptera littoralis)
  – Corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea)
  – Tomato looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites)
  – Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
  – Silver-Y moth (Autographa gamma)

• Bugs (Hemiptera):
  – Sycamore lace bug (Corythucha ciliata)
  
  

When to Use Entonem

Use Entonem preventively or curatively in any growing environment where soil-dwelling or foliar-stage pests are present or anticipated. It is suitable for all plant-types and growing situations including, but not limited to:

• Greenhouses, propagation areas, and indoor grow rooms
• Outdoor beds, nurseries, and container-grown crops
• Houseplants and interiorscapes
• Hydroponic and soilless systems (e.g., rockwool, coco, peat)
• Turf, lawns, and ornamental landscapes

Entonem is highly adaptable and effective across a wide range of crops, substrates, and pest pressures. It can be applied to both soil and foliage, making it a versatile tool in integrated pest management programs.

How It Works

• Mode of Action: Infective juveniles (L3) actively seek out insect hosts in the soil or on foliage. Upon locating a host, they enter through natural openings and release symbiotic bacteria into the pest’s body cavity. These bacteria rapidly convert host tissue into a digestible food source, killing the pest within 1–3 days.
• Reproduction: Inside the host, nematodes feed, develop, and reproduce. New infective juveniles emerge from the cadaver and disperse into the surrounding environment to infect additional hosts.
• Visual Effect: Infected soil-dwelling pests turn yellow to brown and decompose rapidly. Infected foliar pests typically fall to the ground.
  
  

Efficacy & Duration

• On foliage: Under optimal humidity (RH >75%) and temperature (57–79°F), Entonem can kill up to 60% of exposed foliar pests within 8 hours of application.
  
• In soil: At the standard dose of 500,000 nematodes per 10 sq. ft, Entonem can achieve 80–100% mortality of fungus gnat larvae and black vine weevil larvae within 4–10 days, depending on pest density and environmental conditions.
• Residual Activity: Nematodes remain active in moist soil for up to 2–3 weeks, continuing to infect new hosts during this period.

Special Considerations for Hydroponics and Non-Soil Media

In hydroponic systems and non-soil substrates (e.g., rockwool, coco, peat), Entonem remains effective but requires higher application rates and thorough drenching. Porous media can harbor larvae and pupae deep in crevices, so it’s critical to drench through to the bottom of the pot to ensure contact. In flowing hydroponic systems without media, nematodes have reduced opportunity to contact hosts, so dosing must be significantly increased. Entonem performs particularly well in rockwool, where it can establish and persist effectively.

Application Rates

Application Instructions

Preparation & Mixing

• Mix one 50 million pack per 30–50 gallons of water per 1,000 sq. ft 
• Empty the entire contents of the pack into a large bucket
• Add water at approximately 70°F and mix thoroughly
• Rinse bucket contents into the sprayer tank using the standard spray tank sieve
• Add the required volume of additional water to the sprayer
• Maintain constant agitation throughout application
• Use immediately after mixing — do not store
• A wetting agent may improve effectiveness, especially for foliar applications

Sprayer Setup

• Use coarse spray nozzles with an opening of at least 1 mm
• Remove all fine filters (less than 1 mm), including those in nozzles and spray lines
• Use a large droplet setting to create a coarse spray pattern
• Avoid centrifugal or piston pumps that may damage nematodes

Application Timing & Conditions

• Soil Temperature:
  Optimal range is 57–85°F. Nematodes remain active below 57°F, but the symbiotic bacteria will not function until temperatures rise. Avoid use above 86°F
• Humidity:
  For foliar applications, apply during high humidity conditions (RH >75%) and low light
• Time of Day:
  Apply in the evening or early morning to avoid UV exposure
• Growing Media:
  Must be moist before and after application. pH should be between 3 and 8
• Post-Application Irrigation:
  Lightly irrigate after soil/media application to wash nematodes into the root zone. Avoid overwatering, which may flush nematodes out of pots

Crop-Specific Notes

• Ornamentals under cover:
  Spray directly onto growing media around plant roots
• Hydroponics and non-soil media:
  Use higher application rates and drench thoroughly to the bottom of the pot or slab. In flowing systems, apply more frequently or at higher concentrations

Best Working Conditions

• Temperature: Active between 50–91°F; optimal range 57–79°F
• Humidity: High soil moisture required for several days post-application
• UV Sensitivity: Do not apply in direct sunlight
• Foliar Use: Apply in high humidity conditions (RH >75%) and low light

Product Specifications

• Pack Sizes:
  – 50 million (1 sachet per box)
  – 500 million (2 x 250 million sachets per box)
• Active Stage: Infective third-stage larvae (L3)
• Concentration: 86% Steinernema feltiae, 14% inert biodegradable carrier
• OMRI Listed: Approved for use in certified organic production

Storage & Handling

• Store at 35–43°F in a dark, ventilated refrigerator
• Do not freeze
• Do not place in direct sunlight
• Use by expiration date on package
• Apply entire pouch contents per each application

What to Expect

• Nematodes begin seeking hosts immediately after application
• Pest suppression begins within 24–72 hours
• Reapply based on pest pressure and environmental conditions
  
  

Recommended IPM Pairings

• Entomite-M (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) — for enhanced suppression of fungus gnats and root aphids
• Atheta (Dalotia coriaria) — for shore flies, fungus gnats, and other soil-dwelling pests
• Swirskii (Amblyseius swirskii) or Thripex (Neoseiulus cucumeris) — for foliar thrips suppression
• Horiver Yellow sticky traps — for adult fungus gnat and thrips monitoring
• Disease Prevention(e.g., Trianum-P) — for propagation trays

FAQs

Does Entonem contain live nematodes?
Yes — Entonem contains infective third-stage larvae (L3) of Steinernema feltiae in a gel-based carrier.

Is Entonem safe for organic crops?
Yes — Entonem is OMRI-listed and approved for use in certified organic production.

Can I use Entonem indoors?
Yes — Entonem is safe for use in indoor grow rooms, greenhouses, and houseplants.

Can I use Entonem as a foliar spray?
Yes — Entonem can be applied to foliage when relative humidity exceeds 75% for several hours. Avoid fine nozzles and direct sunlight.

Can I use Entonem in hydroponics or non-soil media?
Yes — Entonem is effective in hydroponic systems, especially in rockwool. In flowing systems or non-soil media, higher application rates and thorough drenching are recommended to ensure contact with pests hiding in crevices or moving through water.

How soon will I see results?
Pests typically die within 1–3 days of infection. Reapply as needed based on pest pressure.

How long does Entonem remain effective?
Entonem can remain active in moist soil for around to 2–3 weeks. In foliar applications, it is effective for several hours under high humidity conditions.

How many pests can Entonem kill?
At the standard rate of 500,000 nematodes per 10 sq. ft, Entonem can achieve 80–100% mortality of fungus gnat larvae and black vine weevil larvae within 4–10 days. On foliage, it can kill up to 60% of exposed pests within 8 hours under optimal humidity.

Is Entonem compatibly with (x) chemical spray?

Pesticides can have (in)direct effects on biological solutions. As a general rule for tank mixing, always add the nematodes to a fully filled tank containing the compatible product. For more information about compatabilities, check out our guides: Pesticide Compatibility