ARBICO Organics


P.O. Box 8910
Tucson, Arizona 85738-0910 (United States)
1-800-827-2847
(520) 825-2038

Reviews:

positives
neutrals
negatives

Displaying the 13 most recent reviews

RatingContent
Positive
On Apr 19, 2023, HNemerov (10 reviews) from Bastrop, TX

I am a Texas Certified Master Gardener, newsletter editor for our Association, and contribute research papers based upon my garden being a laboratory for trialing native plants and permaculture practices. I highly recommend Arbico. I have called their customer support numerous times for advice on applying their products correctly, and they're helpful and knowledgeable. After applying one of their products to control cutworms, I've had much less digging from racoons looking for cutworm larvae, with no digging in the last few weeks. Their new nematode products are in beads, making application much easier than the old powders that had to be applied in solution. Either type needs to be watered in, so the new beads are easier to apply overall and I recommend using them when available with the nematodes you need. Since I've begun using Nemattack beads with Steinernema feltiae, the fungus gnat problem on my indoor plant stand has gone from a major hassle to nearly nonexistent within two weeks. I recommend you plan treatments ahead of time, so that you can buy and apply when temperatures are optimal. Living in Texas, please buy living nematode products in late winter to early spring or fall, so that your living nematodes don't cook. I also recommend maintaining 2-3" of organic mulch like fall leaves and tree service wood chips. This creates a healthier environment for beneficial nematodes to thrive, and protects them as they work their way into the soil to begin hunting for the pests you're trying to control.

Positive
On Feb 27, 2019, Cat_S (2 reviews) from Hohenwald, TN

I have purchased several products from this company and been happy with both products and service. I subscribe to monthly shipments of parasitic wasp to control flies in barn and pasture and have been very pleased. I was also impressed to see that they offer the msds documents in the product descriptions. Never shopped anywhere else that did that.

Negative
On Oct 18, 2015, clarkvinson (1 reviews) from Arlington, TX

I ordered nematodes for my lawn, to control fleas. It July in Texas (near Dallas), so I emailed ahead of my order to find out if they could ship them safely and was assured they could. My order arrived at my house, via UPS, when I was there to accept it and I could feel the heat of the package from the outside - VERY hot, probably around 100 degrees or hotter. The ice pack inside was so hot it was working to keep the foil insulation pack around the nematodes even hotter, making for a small oven in which the nematodes were shipped. I emailed the company and was assured they had run tests that proved that the nematodes did not have to remain cool, but nonetheless, the lady said she would ship another package with extra cooling packs. My next shipment was on my shaded porch when I got home at around 5:50pm. It was still so hot that I could tell it would be some time before it cooled. Inside was the single freezer pack again (about 5in x 5in), again so hot it was working to serve as a heater, not a cooler. I emailed Arbico and asked them, if the company's message to me said their test showed heat wouldn't hurt the nematodes, why it says on the package of nematodes, "As long as the temperature has not been in excess of approx. 100 degrees inside the package, the nematodes will be fine"? At the very least this is poor shipping practice, at the worst, it is fraudulent.

Positive
On Jul 13, 2014, compostpotato (1 reviews) from Columbia, SC

I ordered a benficial nematode combo pack. I'm gardening on a sand hill in central South Carolina. We have the typical culprits: flea beetles, root knot nematodes, cutworms, grubs, beetles, and other soil based insects. Our garden location is in it's second year and the flea beetles and root knot nematodes have reached levels of infestation. We were experiencing complete fruit loss of all crops. (Tomatoe, Squash, cucumber, etc.) Blossom drop was horrible and the flea beetles were causing havoc on potatoes, tomatoes, and foilage buckshot was overwhelming. I chose to apply the nematodes in multiple applications. The pack we ordered was enough for four applications to our garden area. It arriveded as promised, did not have a foul odor, and the product appeared viable and living. Results: We began with an utter infestation of flea beetles and the objective was merely to break the soil based reproductive cycle of the pest. If we could reduce the numbers enough that mechanical removal would be a viable option, then we would have accomplished what we wanted. IPM demands that a multi-pronged approach be used. The nematodes were VERY effective in the first several applications. We noticed a significant reduction in numbers within the first two weeks. Staggering application seemed to help as new flea beetles arrived from other locations, we could replenish the nematodes. We broke the cycle enough to have fruit set return, blossom drop was minimized, and the plants became generally healthier as a result of minimizing the effect of the root knot nematode. I was very happy with the results of the beneficial nematodes. They gave us a break from the infestation long enough to allow us to get on top of it with proper compost tea fertilization, mechanical removal of pests, and allowed the plants to build strength enough to resist the effect of the remaining pests and continue to produce fruit. Additional benefits we noticed: reduction in the amount of fleas in our yard from the dogs. Reduced ant populations to managable levels. Less ground based beetles of all types. More plant vigor and less evidence of root knot nodules. There is no cure-all. I will not go nuclear on my garden. Use a multipronged approach. Spend time in your garden observing the problem. Promote beneficials of all types and resist the urge use ANY poison. Bioremediation is your best friend when coupled with sanitary practices, protracted observation, and "garden ninja" mechanical removal. Add beneficial nematodes to your "arsenal". Arbico delivered as promised. I applied as instructed. It worked. Very satisfied with this company and this product.

Neutral
On Jun 30, 2012, harlekin (3 reviews) from ARIVACA, AZ

Posted on September 8, 2011, updated June 30, 2012 I received two orders of green lacewing larvae two weeks apart...about $40 for a total of 2000. I released them as specified into a sealed screened growhouse 10' x25'. Nothing happened. That is, I was not at all clear there was any decrease in the aphid population, but I am absolutely sure if the lacewings had matured I would have seen at least one! I saw none. After waiting two months for them to mature I called the company. The woman at Arabico said I couldn't see them...that is adult green lacewings are too small to see...which is, of course, false. Her "solution" to my problem was that I buy more. Absurd! Its a scam!


On June 30th, 2012, harlekin changed the rating from negative to neutral and added the following: I made my negative comments in the summer of '11. Around Christmas of '11, I got a call from an owner of the Arbico who wanted to 'make it right' and said she wanted to keep in touch throughout the year. She sent way more than the replacement of $40 of dud green lacewings: organic micronutrients, nematodes, more lacewings, organic fertilizer, etc. She did not include her contact number and I haven't heard from her since...but that's okay. I tried the lacewings again this summer of '12 and I have seen both a decrease in my pest population and a few adult lacewings. Arbico is sending the lacewing larvae out in more sophisticated cool packs and that may account for the difference in results.

Negative
On Dec 1, 2011, Ponstap (1 reviews) from Tucson, AZ

horrible company! The prices are a rip off. The owner himself is cheap and will do anything to make a quick buck in my opinion. I took a tour of the production plant place IS NOT up to code at all it's a big safety hazard poor working environment for the workers there I will not support the company anymore till they show true ownership and take care of they're employees. If u have not taken a tour of the production plant please do so, so u can see how filthy and unsafe it is.

Positive
On Oct 13, 2009, docgipe (6 reviews) from NORTH CENTRAL, PA (Zone 5a)

I have used Arbico-Organics for many years. Specifically The Bug Lady with a very nice real lady (Sheri) behind the image introduced me to the use of Nematodes and Milky Spore powder to control numerous grubs in my Giant Pumpkin Patch. It worked! Then there were the fungus knats. Sheri suggested Thuricide a BT product which worked very well. I could go on and on because I use a dozen or more of their products. Some could be purchased elsewhere. I however wish to support a serious organic principled product company. Dr. Buglady is special. Consult when you have a real problem. Dr.Buglady (Sheri) will get right into your problem and needs. This company is one of the finest I have come to know dealing seriously and nearly 100% in organic products. Dwaine Gipe (docgipe)

Positive
On Oct 12, 2009, stormyla (25 reviews) from Norristown, PA (Zone 6b)

Last year I started ordering organic soil amendments, fertilizers and beneficial insects from Arbico. I can't say enough good about the products and services from this company. This year, the ladybugs kept my roses completely aphid and thrip free. Their series of periodic mailing of lacewings is very convenient. I tried their compost tea bags this year and was quite pleased. Recently, I discovered that the prices on their kelp and fish fertilizers are better than most competitors. This is a great place to find some uncommon quality organic products. Shipping costs are reasonable and products arrive very quickly.

Positive
On Jul 23, 2008, LostMeadow (12 reviews) from (Zone 4b)

I phoned in an order for 10 rolls of bird scare tape to string in our blueberry patch. The lady who took my order was very nice and helpful. The box came much faster than expected, and their price was the best I could find for this item. I'll order from ARBICO again.

Positive
On Jan 26, 2007, hostamomma (12 reviews) from Dundee, IL

I ordered the Maxicrop liquid and powdered seaweed formula after seeing it praised by Paul James. The box arrived quickly but when opened, the liquid (which was in a separate bag) bottle was damaged and about 1/3 leaked out into the bag. Contacted Kim in customer service who promptly shipped me a replacement bottle at no cost. She did aske if the original box appeared to be damaged (which it did not) but did not give me any problems. If the produce performs as well as their customer service dept I will be ordering from them again!

Positive
On Jul 22, 2006, wddr (1 reviews) from Hot Springs, VA

I was checking on my order and then asked about blister beetles and especially click beetles which affect my potato crop. I was connected with Arbico's head entomologist and received very helpful information I can now use to formulate a plan for treatment.

Positive
On Jul 9, 2005, duckmother (5 reviews) from North Little Rock, AR (Zone 7b)

I purchased red worms for my pet duck. The people were very polite. A cool pack box arrived with the worms in a canvas type bag with an excellant medium. There was many more worms than I had ordered. My duck and I are very pleased with this company.

Positive
On May 10, 2005, oreofur (1 reviews) from Dennehotso, AZ

I called ARBICO Organics in the hopes to find a solution to my fly problem (I have horses) and my problem with grubs in my lawn (which used to be beautiful). Not only did ARBICO solve my fly problem with their fly parasites, but they also have great trap for the adult flies from my neighbors!!! It is a solar trap and I highly recommend it to anyone who has flies! They were very nice on the phone and they knew exactly what I needed.... I will have to say that I tried to call Spalding Labs once before, but they were not as nice and they told me all sorts of excuses as to why they couldn't offer me as many parasites as ARBICO. And, they don't even offer a trap. For my grubs, I ordered the beneficial nemotodes and they worked great!!! I am so pleased, I can't recommend Arbico enough! Now, my lawn is green and beautiful, and no grubs this season! This company is highly recommended!!!!!

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