Cheapest source for beneficial nematodes

I've spent the past nine months teaching myself how to grow indoors. I have done a ton of research and only now finally signed up for this site. I plan to set up my grow info on here soon but I have been struggling with bugs in my organic supersoil and have been trying to rid the soil of them or at least control them organically. I have been using things such as diatomaceous earth, gnatrol and more recently ive introduced beneficial nematodes. The ben. nematodes seem to have the best effect controlling the mite looking like insects that I have been unable to identify with certainty and seem to be causing the most damage to the plants roots.
The "mites" population is increasing and I would like to continue with the nematodes but they are so expensive that I cannot afford to keep buying them on a constant basis unless I can find a cheaper source. Does anyone have an inexpensive source for beneficial nematodes???? They really seem to be the best thing to control the pest infesting all of my soil! (I have probably a small pick up truck full of soil all together so way too much to heat to sterilize) Anyone have any other suggestions?

I've been thinking about raising my own nematodes (from an initial source, of course). I just bought some nematodes, and as soon as I get my hands on some wax worms, I'll give it a go. It is a little extra work, but it seems like it could provide a constant supply for little cost.

Here's the guide I plan on following:
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/rearing_nematodes_do_it_yourself_guide

Ok, i have discovered some mite looking things in one pot about 30 mins ago. Not sure what they are.
So i too am looking for away to get rid of them.
Now i have raised wax worms as well as meal and super worms fir my reptiles.
I dont remember ever learning anything about them eating other bugs unless ive miss read something, perhapps i have.
Plz explain this, not critisizing simply trying to learn, thsnk you.

fayo420 said:

Ok, i have discovered some mite looking things in one pot about 30 mins ago. Not sure what they are.
So i too am looking for away to get rid of them.
Now i have raised wax worms as well as meal and super worms fir my reptiles.
I dont remember ever learning anything about them eating other bugs unless ive miss read something, perhapps i have.
Plz explain this, not critisizing simply trying to learn, thsnk you.

Click to expand...

Hey fayo420,

The wax worms were for rearing nematodes (taking an initial amount of nematodes and having them reproduce so you have more). The nematodes use the wax worm as a home/food source.
As for the pests you see in your soil, perhaps someone with more skill than I can help you with that. I don't see anything unusual in those pictures.
Good luck, and sorry to only half-answer your post.

Oh, i see.
Makes sence, thank you for explaining.

Ive been reaserching nemetodes in the past 24 hrs. I have found some on amazon for $10- $32 plus shipping. Home depot online carries them too from what ive seen as well as lowes.
That like 1 to 5 mil. Culture i believe.
Really not to bad. The cultures on amazon i think come from wisconsin.