Yes, nematodes are absolutely alive! They are microscopic worms that actively do their work as soon as they are introduced into the soil. Nematodes are often used for biological pest control, because they infect and kill certain insect larvae, such as those of the carrot fly or the larvae of the box tree moth.
When you receive the nematodes, they are usually in a dry mixture. They are dormant and need to be reactivated by adding water. It is important to treat the nematodes correctly: dissolve them in lukewarm water (around 15-20°C), stir well, and apply them directly to the soil. As soon as they are in the right moist environment, the nematodes become active again and start doing their work.
In short, nematodes are living organisms that, when treated properly, provide an effective way to control pests in an environmentally friendly manner.
