Hired Bugs

Aphid Parasites - Aphid Parasites kill aphids be piercing the aphid and laying their eggs inside of it to develop into larvae. Before finishing development it spins a cocoon inside the aphid, turning it into a leathery "mummy". An adult parasite then flies out to continue the cycle. For prevention small release get these established, repeat regularly through the season.

Aphid Predators - Aphid Predators often provide the most lasting aphid control because they breed so readily, and do not fly towards lights. 250 in enough to get them going, or 3,000-4,000 per acre. Repeat releases establish them faster. Use anywhere: yards, greenhouses indoors. Aphid Predators have a life in the soil & may not survive where predator nematodes are used.

Caterpillar Parasites - Caterpillar parasites control even the most destructive caterpillars. They parasitize the eggs of over 200 different species of moths and butterflies. Caterpillar parasites provide control in gardens. Field crops and orchards. Use 5,000-50,000/acre, depending on infestation. It's important to repeat about every 2 weeks throughout growing season.

Fungus Gnat Predators - Sprinkle Fungus Gnat Predators onto soil surface ( or capillary mat, Hydroponic media), for control of fungus gnats and most other small, soil inhabiting insects, mites, and spring tails. Provides up to 30% control of western flower thrips, as well. Predators live a breed in the top 1/2 inch of soil. 5,000 treats up to 200 square feet of breeding area.

Green Lacewings - Green Lacewings eat aphids and other small, soft-bodied pests. General purpose feeders, they eat almost anything that they can fit in their mouths. Within 3 or 4 weeks larvae hatch into adults that eat only pollen and nectar; reapply more larvae before then for continuous control.

Housefly Parasites - Anywhere nuisance flies breed (compost piles, manure, accumulation, livestock bedding) fly parasites go to work fast. 15,000 treats several head of livestock, a compost pile, or numerous rabbits, chickens, or other small animals. Apply once a month for sever problems. A mix of species controls most pest flies.

Ladybug Beetles - Ladybugs eat aphids and other soft-bodied insects, and can be stored in the refrigerator 1-10 weeks at 35-40 degrees F (depending on time of year). For counter & impulse sales the bag of 1,500 is ideal. Ladybugs may not be available during late April & May (ask).

Mealybug Predators - Mealybug Predators eat most mealybug species, especially citrus mealybugs. If mealybugs run short, they'll eat scales, too. Because mealybugs breed so slow and mealybug predators eat so fast, only 1 or 2 are needed per plant. In some cases we've had improved success caging these in with plants,. as they sometimes fly towards lights.

Pirate Bugs - Pirate Bugs eat thrips, spider mites, and aphids. Both nymph and adult pirate bugs use their "piercing-sucking" beak to pierce a hole and suck victims dry. Shipped as nymphs near hatching or adults ready to use (no choice). Use 100-2000 per acre. Pirate bugs are good for troublesome thrips problems when other controls have not been adequate.

Praying Mantis Eggs - Praying Mantis make great garden pets, & constantly entertain while they eat insects all summer long. "Eggs" store in the refrigerator until they are ready for hatching, which takes 2-8 weeks of warm weather. Available from January 1 to August 1 only. Each "egg" hatches 100-200 mantids.

Predator Nematodes - Insects that spend any part of their lives in soil are food for Predator Nematodes. Microscopic in size, predator nematodes even eat insects as large as cutworms. They are reared on live insects for vigor (not artificial diet). Use 1 million to treat up to 3000' of of garden, or 24 million per acre. Can store refrigerator 2 months before use. Water into soil, repeat monthly.

Spider Mite Destroyers - Use Spider Mite Destroyers in addition to spider-mite predators (above) when spider mite populations are especially high. These tiny beetles eat all stages of spider mites, and find new infestation sites by flying. Each destroyer eats more then 40 mites per day, living 4-5 weeks. Life cycle takes 18 days at 70 degrees. 

Spider Mite Predators - 3 kinds are available (PP, NC, ML), all priced the same. Usually they are used together (triple threat) for conditions of 60-90% humidity, with temperatures 50 degrees to 90 degrees F. For temperatures warmer than this, use PP & ML. For humilities as low as 40-45%, use ML alone. Start with at least 1 predator for every 20 spider mites.

Thrips Predator Mites - Thrips Predator Mites are effective against all species of trips under high humidity (70-80%) growing conditions - reports of results are poor with lower humidity. Use 300-500 per plant, reapply as needed.

White Fly Parasites - Whitefly Parasites provide good control against greenhouse white flies. They come as eggs ready to hatch; use at least 1 for every square foot of greenhouse space, repeat 4 times a 2 week intervals for fastest results. For sweet potato whitefly or silverleaf white fly, see also whitefly predators and green lacewings.

Whitefly Predators - Whitefly Predators eat all species of whiteflies, especially Sweet-Potato Whiteflies and Silverleaf Whiteflies. Use 1 beetle for every 15-50 square feet of greenhouse space, repeat 2-3 times at 10-14 day intervals. This gives control in about a month. 1 release may give eventual control, but more slowly. Predators work best at 65-90 degree F.