Managing western corn rootworm (WCR) has long been a challenge for Nebraska producers. These pests are responsible for nearly $1 billion in crop losses annually and have shown resistance to many conventional insecticides. This project explores the use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), tiny, pest-controlling worms, as a biological method for controlling WCR. To fully realize EPN potential in Nebraska corn fields, a collaborative team of researchers is mapping and monitoring beneficial EPN populations in Nebraska corn fields. Using innovative tools such as metabarcoding, the team has discovered two new native EPN strains in Nebraska soils. Their work has been instrumental in developing EPN as a potential new, cost-effective option for controlling corn rootworm.