Aphids

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.
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.
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.
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.