Biological Control

Pests Biological Control Biocontrol Comments
Aphids Adalia bipunctata Predatory lady beetle. Larval and adult stages eat many aphid species and will also eat mummies of parasites. Use when aphids are present. Control ants prior to release. Distribute on infested leaves. Monitor plants for aphids. Aphids are usually controlled within a week where larvae feed.
Mites, broad Amblyseius andersoni Predatory mite for various mite species as preventative or for low populations. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor plants for clean, symptomless new growth.
Mites, cyclamen Amblyseius andersoni Predatory mite for various mite species as preventative or for low populations. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor plants for clean new growth.
Mites, two-spotted spider Amblyseius andersoni Predatory mite for various mite species as preventative or low populations. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves. Monitor plants for two-spotted spider mites.
Mites, broad Amblyseius californicus Predatory mite for various mite species. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves. Monitor for clean symptomless new growth.
Mites, cyclamen Amblyseius californicus Predatory mite for various mite species. Can survive on other mites and pollen and for a number of weeks without food. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves. Monitor for symptomless new growth.
Mites, two-spotted spider Amblyseius californicus Predatory mite for various mite species. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves. Monitor plants for two-spotted spider mites.
Mites, broad Amblyseius cucumeris Amblyseius cucumeris is also known as Neoseilus cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor plants for clean symptomless new growth.
Mites, cyclamen Amblyseius cucumeris Amblyseius cucumeris is also known as Neoseilus cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor for clean symptomless new growth.
Thrips Amblyseius cucumeris Amblyseius cucumeris is also known as Neoseilus cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll container to mix. Distribute onto leaves or suspend sachets. Monitor plants for thrips.
Thrips Amblyseius swirskii Predatory mite that feeds on thrips (young thrips larvae), whitefly (eggs and larvae) and pollen. Apply preventatively or for low infestations, when thrips are first detected. Gently roll container to mix. Distribute loose mites onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor plants for thrips.
Whiteflies Amblyseius swirskii Predatory mite for greenhouse whitefly and sweet potato whitefly (eggs and larvae), thrips (young larvae) and on pollen. Gently roll container to mix. Distribute loose mites onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor whitefly populations.
Mealybugs Anagryrus pseudococci Parasitic wasp for citrus mealybug. Mealybugs turn into yellow-brown mummies. Monitor mummies and mealybug populations.
Aphids Aphelinus abdominalis Parasitic wasp for large aphid species such as foxglove aphid and potato aphid and also host feeds on small aphids. This wasp develops slowly and is not very mobile. Release mummies near infested plants. Monitor plants for parasitized aphids that turn into black mummies approximately 2 weeks after first release.
Aphids Aphidius colemani Parasitic wasp for small aphid species such as green peach aphid and melon aphid and is used in banker plant systems. Use when aphids are beginning to appear. Distribute mummies in early morning, late afternoon or on cloudy days. Monitor plants for parasitized aphids which turn into yellow-brown mummies approximately 2 weeks after first release.
Aphids Aphidius ervi Parasitic wasp for large aphid species such as potato aphid and foxglove aphid. This wasp is often used with Aphidius colemani and can be used with Aphidoletes. Use when aphids are beginning to appear. Optimum temperatures 65-77F and relative humidity of 70-85%. Monitor plants for parasitized aphids which turn into golden yellow-brown mummies 2 weeks after release.
Aphids Aphidius matricariae Parasitic wasp for green peach aphid only. Distribute mummies in early morning, late afternoon or on cloudy days. Monitor plants for parasitized aphids that turn into grey or yellow-brown mummies approximately 2 weeks after first release.
Aphids Aphidoletes aphidimyza Predatory gall midge for many aphid species. Use when aphids are present. Adults are most active at night. Release in early morning or evening to avoid direct sunlight and prevent dehydration. Open bottle in the greenhouse near aphid colonies. Adult midges will leave container. Do not sprinkle onto plants to protect adult midges from dehydration. Aphids are killed by the midge larvae. Aphids shrivel, decay and hang on the leaf. Monitor plants for aphids and midge larvae which are transparent orange color. Midge larvae may turn yellow, red or brown depending on the aphids they feed on.
Scales, armored Aphytis melinus Parasitic wasp for low-infestations of various armored scales. Monitor for presence of adult wasps approximately 2 weeks after release, reduced number of scale crawlers, empty scales and parasitized scale with an exit hole.
Fungus gnats Atheta coriaria Rove beetles are soil-dwelling predators for fungus gnats, shore flies, thrips larvae (stage that falls to the ground to pupate) and other soil insects. Rove beetles are very mobile. Gently roll bottle to mix and distribute adult beetles to media. Monitor plants for fungus gnats.
Shore flies Atheta coriaria Rove beetles are soil-dwelling predators for fungus gnats, shore flies, thrips larvae (stage that falls to the ground to pupate) and other soil insects. Rove beetles are very mobile. Gently roll bottle to mix and distribute adult beetles to media. Monitor plants for shore flies.
Aphids Chrysoperla spp. Lacewings are general predators. Larvae prefer to feed on aphids, and will also feed on whiteflies, spider mites, thrips and insect eggs. Adults feed on pollen and are not used for biocontrol. Ants should be controlled prior to release. To distribute larvae, gently roll bottle to mix and shake larvae onto infested leaves. Also available as eggs and adults. Dead aphids are shriveled and difficult to find. Monitor plants for aphids.
Whiteflies Chrysoperla spp. Lacewings are general predators. Larvae prefer to feed on aphids, and will also feed on whiteflies, spider mites, thrips and insect eggs. Adults feed on pollen and are not used for biocontrol. Ants should be controlled prior to release. To distribute larvae, gently roll bottle to mix and shake larvae onto infested leaves. Also available as eggs and adults. Monitor whitefly populations.
Mealybugs Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Predatory ladybird beetle used to control many mealybugs. Can be used with Leptomastix dactylopii. Control ants prior to release. Distributing adult beetles onto infested plants in the evening. Mealybugs are eaten completely. Monitor for presence of empty egg pouches and Cryptolaemus larvae. Cryptolaemus larvae resemble mealybugs but are larger with longer white hairs.
Leafminers Dacnusa sibirica Parasitic wasp for all larval stages especially young larvae. Distribute parasitic wasps between leaves in the morning or evening. Monitor plants for leafminers. After 2-3 weeks, monitor leaves for parasitism by placing samples in a jar to watch for emerging wasps.
Whiteflies Delphastus catalinae Predatory beetle for greenhouse whitefly and sweet potato whitefly. Adults and larvae feed on all stages of whitefly but prefers eggs and larvae. Release in the morning or evening. Gently roll bottle to mix. Apply in a cluster to hot spots. Delphastus are easily visible on cloudy days or in the evening. Look for larvae and pupae on undersides of leaves 4-5 weeks after first release. Monitor whitefly populations.
Leafminers Diglyphus isaea Parasitic wasp for all larval stages especially older larvae. Release parasitic wasps between leaves in the morning or in the evening. Carry open container throughout greenhouse to release wasps, then leave container open for remainder to leave. Suggested temperature of 75-90F. humidity of 80%. Watch for mines with dead larvae which can be seen by holding leaf up to light.
Whiteflies Encarsia formosa Parastic wasp for greenhouse whitefly. Suspend cards containing parasitized pupae. If distributing loose pupae, gently roll container to mix and distribute onto plants. Avoid direct sunlight. Parasitized greenhouse whitefly pupae turn black approximately 2-3 weeks after release. Monitor plants for parasitized pupae and whitefly populations.
Whiteflies Eretmocerus eremicus Parasitic wasp for sweet potato whiteflies and also host-feeds on greenhouse and sweet potato whiteflies. Adapted to wide temperature range. To release loose pupae, gently roll container to mix, then distribute on dry surface. Avoid direct sunlight. Parasitized whitefly turn yellow-brown approximately 2 weeks after release. Monitor plants for parasitized pupae and whiteflies.
Whiteflies Eretmocerus mundus Parasitic wasp for sweet potato whiteflies that is adapted to a wide temperature range. If using loose pupae, gently roll container to mix. Distribute onto leaves. If using cards, suspend cards containing parasitized pupae. Avoid direct sunlight. Parasitized whitefly turn golden-yellow approximately 2 weeks after release. Monitor plants for parasitized pupae and whiteflies.
Mites, two-spotted spider Feltiella acarisuga Predatory gall midge for two-spotted spider mites. Adults fly easily throughout the greenhouse to deposit eggs near spider mites. Release near hot spots out of direct sunlight. Follow directions by distributor for release. Leave open container on bench for one week and let them emerge. Spider mites shrivel up and become brown or black. White cocoons are clearly visible along the veins of the leaf. Also able to forage on hairy leaves of tomato plants. Monitor plants for two-spotted spider mites.
Mites, bulb Gaeolaelaps aculeifer Also known as Hypoaspis aculeifer. Predatory mite for bulb mites. Can be used as preventative or curative. Also feeds on thrips pupae. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute to soil surface only. Monitor plants for bulb mites.
Aphids Hippodamia convergens Lady beetles are general predators. Adults and larvae prefer aphids and will also feed on other soft bodied insects. Use when aphids are present. Control ants prior to release and close windows and vents to prevent them from leaving the greenhouse. Release in the evening near pest hot spots. Monitor plants for presence of lady beetle adults, larvae and egg clusters and for presence of aphids. Aphids are usually controlled within two weeks of beetle release.
Mites, bulb Hypoaspis aculeifer Also known as Gaeolaelaps aculeifer. Predatory mite for bulb mites. Can be used as preventative or curative. Also feeds on thrips pupae. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute to soil surface only. Monitor plants for bulb mites.
Fungus gnats Hypoaspis miles Hypoaspis miles is also known as Stratiolaelaps scimitus. Predatory mite that inhabits top layer of soil and feeds on fungus gnat larvae. Also feeds on thrips pupae and other soil dwelling pests. Gently roll container to mix. Distribute to soil surface. Monitor plants for fungus gnats.
Thrips Hypoaspis miles Hypoaspis miles is also known as Stratiolaelaps scimitus. Predatory mite that inhabits top layer of soil and feeds on thrips pupae, fungus gnat larvae and other soil dwelling pests. Gently roll container to mix. Apply to soil surface. Monitor plants for thrips.
Mealybugs Leptomastix dactylopii Parasitic wasp for citrus mealybug. Can be used with Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. Control ants prior to release. Open bottle and hang in the crop near pests, out of sunlight for two weeks. Parasitized mealybugs become dark brown and can be observed two to three weeks after release depending on temperature.
Scales, armored Lindorus lophanthae Lindorus lophanthae is also known as Rhyzobius lophanthae. Predatory beetle for various scale insects. Clean plants of heavy honeydew (due to soft scale infestations) prior to releasing adult beetles. Distribute onto infested plants. Monitor plants for scale and partially eaten scales.
Mites, two-spotted spider Mesoseiulus longipes Predatory mite for two-spotted spider mites. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves. Monitor plants for two-spotted spider mites.
Mites, broad Neoseiulus cucumeris Neoseiulus cucumeris is also known as Amblyseius cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor for clean, symptomless new growth.
Mites, cyclamen Neoseiulus cucumeris Neoseiulus cucumeris is also known as Amblyseius cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor for clean symptomless new growth.
Mites, two-spotted spider Neoseiulus cucumeris Neoseiulus cucumeris is also known as Amblyseius cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor plants for two-spotted spider mites.
Thrips Neoseiulus cucumeris Neoseiulus cucumeris is also known as Amblyseius cucumeris. Predatory mites for various mite species. Also eats thrips (eggs and young larvae), honeydew and pollen. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves or hang sachets. Monitor plants for thrips.
Thrips Orius spp. Predatory bug primarily for thrips, and also feeds on aphids, mites and other pests and on pollen. Adults feed on all stages of thrips. Nymphs feed on thrips larvae. Release in early morning or evening to avoid bright sunlight. Gently roll container to mix. Distribute onto plants and in hot spots. Leave material for several days so bugs have time to move throughout crop. Monitor thrips populations.
Mites, two-spotted spider Phytoseiulus persimilis Predatory mite used for two spotted spider mites. Gently roll bottle to mix. Distribute onto leaves. Dead spider mites are shriveled and dark in color. Monitor plants for two-spotted spider mites.
Scales, armored Rhyzobius lophanthae Rhyzobius lophanthae is also known as Lindorus lophanthae. Predatory beetle for various scale insects. Clean plants of heavy honeydew (due to soft scale infestations) prior to releasing beetles. Distribute onto infested plants. Monitor plants for scale and partially eaten scales.
Shore flies Steinernema carpocapsae Parasitic nematode for shore fly larvae. Apply to moist soil using a sprayer or fertilizer injector. Remove filters and continuously mix solution. Monitor plants for shore flies.
Fungus gnats Steinernema feltiae Parasitic nematode for fungus gnat larvae and all stages of thrips except eggs. Use as a preventative treatment. For fungus gnats, apply to moist soil (temperatures above 55F) using a sprayer or fertilizer injector. Remove filters and continuously mix solution. Monitor plants for fungus gnats.
Thrips Steinernema feltiae Parasitic nematode for fungus gnat larvae and all stages of thrips except eggs. Use as a preventative treatment. To manage thrips, mix with water and apply to foliage. Apply in evening or on cloudy days. To prevent dehydration, foliage should remain wet for at least 2 hours. For thrips larvae and pupae, also apply to soil (temperatures above 55F) using a sprayer or fertilizer injector. Remove filters and continuously mix solution. Monitor plants for thrips.
Fungus gnats Stratiolaelaps scimitus Stratiolaelaps scimitus is also known as Hypoaspis miles. Predatory mite that inhabits top layer of soil and feeds on fungus gnat larvae, thrips pupae and other soil dwelling pests. Gently roll container to mix. Distribute to soil surface. Monitor plants for fungus gnats.
Thrips Stratiolaelaps scimitus Stratiolaelaps scimitus is also known as Hypoaspis miles. Predatory mite that inhabits top layer of soil and feeds on thrips pupae, fungus gnat larvae and other soil dwelling pests. Gently roll container to mix. Apply to soil surface. Monitor plants for thrips.
Caterpillars Trichogramma brassicae Parasitic wasp especially useful for caterpillars on cole crops. Prior to release control ants that will eat eggs. Suspend cards with eggs in crop. Monitor for caterpillars and pest damage.