Larvanem — Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
Larvanem contains infective third-stage juveniles (L3) of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, an entomopathogenic nematode that targets a broad range of soil-dwelling pests including weevils, white grubs, root aphids, and more. These microscopic roundworms actively seek out insect hosts in the root zone, enter through natural openings or thin cuticle, and release symbiotic bacteria that kill the pest within hours to a few days. Larvanem is chemical-free and safe for use in any growing environment including greenhouses, nurseries, orchards, flower beds, interiorscapes, outdoor landscapes, indoor plants including houseplants and more.

Use For
Larvanem targets the following pests:
Beetles (Coleoptera):
– Weevils (Otiorhynchus sulcatus and other Otiorhynchus spp.)
– White grubs (Scarabaeidae): European chafer (Amphimallon majale), Summer chafer (Amphimallon solstitialis), Common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha), Common garden chafer (Phyllopertha horticola), Phyllophaga spp., Welsh chafer (Hoplia philanthus), Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica), Oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis), Asiatic garden beetle (Autoserica castanea), Dune chafer (Anomala dubia), Brown chafer (Serica brunnea), Anoxia villosa
– Dung beetles (Aphodius spp.)
– Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae): Flea beetles (Phyllotreta spp.) — soil-stage larvae
Caterpillars (Lepidoptera):
– Common swift moth (Korscheltellus lupulina) — soil/root-zone stages
Other soil pests:
– Root aphids — root-zone stages
For fungus gnats and thrips pupae, layer with Entonem (Steinernema feltiae).

How It Works
Mode of Action: Infective juveniles (L3) locate hosts in soil/media, enter via spiracles, mouth, anus, or thin cuticle, and release symbiotic bacteria into the hemocoel. The bacteria rapidly convert host tissues into a digestible food source; death occurs within hours to a few days.
Reproduction: Nematodes feed, develop, and reproduce inside the cadaver; new infective juveniles emerge and disperse through moist media to infect additional hosts.
Visual Effect: Infected pests typically turn red to brown and degrade quickly, making cadavers hard to find.

Timing
High mortality of listed soil pests within 4–14 days, depending on temperature, moisture, species, and life stage.
Infective juveniles remain active in moist media for 2–3 weeks.