2018-2019 Horticultural Catalog

Beneficial Insects
Scale & Mealy Bug Controls
Aphytis melinus – For certain species
of armored scale (the tiny scales which do
not produce sticky honeydew), The Golden
Chalcid rules. It is the least expensive scale
control and it works, but only if the host
species is acceptable.
Optimum performance: 76-85° F, 40-50%
relative humidity
Release rates: Preventative - 1-3/sq ft
Crypts
monthly; Curative - 3-6/ sq ft bi-weekly
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri a.k.a. Crypts or The Mealy
Bug Destroyer Bar none, this beetle species is the number one
predator used to control most mealybug species. The only critical
requirement to use this opportunistic beetle, is to ensure the pests’
cottony egg masses are present, as this is where Crypts lay their eggs.
Must control ants if present.
Optimum performance: 64-91° F, 70% or greater relative humidity
Release rates: Light - 2-4/10 sq ft; Heavy - 10-12/10 sq ft; Orchards -
1,000-2,000/acre
NOTE: For more mealybug control options, also see Chrysoperla
rufilabris under Aphid Controls.
Fungus Gnat, Shore Fly & Soil Pest Controls
BENEFICIAL NEMATODES
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora – The choice when your
problems concern lethargic, deeply planted pests: Japanese
beetle larvae or grubs (Popillia japonica). These nematodes are
deep-moving (1-7”), active-hunting and “cruising”.
Optimum performance: 79-83° F, low end 65° F
Steinernema carpocapsae – These nearly microscopic
nematodes provide outstanding control of the larvae of soilborne,
soil-dwelling pests. Shallowly-waiting-hunting (0-2”),
“ambushing”, especially against fungus gnats or mushroom
fly larvae, but can also feast on thrip pupae, shore flies, fleas,
billbugs, cut worms, and more. The vermiculite form is generally
used for pot-to-pot releases in interiorscapes.
Optimum performance: 70-83° F, low end 60° F
Steinernema feltiae – The largest of the nematodes
offered as live 3rd stage juveniles, are used for fungus gnats
or mushroom fly larvae. These nematodes feature a shallowlypresent
habit (0-3”), like Sc, but an intermediate active-hunting
“cruising” characteristic, like Hb, which may make them superior.
They tolerate cold better than Sc. Call for quantities & pricing
Optimum performance: 70-79° F, low end 59° F
Release information (Applies to all Nematodes): Can be applied
manually or through automated equipment. Spray, drench, etc up
to 300 psi. 1 million covers 3,000 sq ft. 24 million/acre.
Dalotia (Atheta) coriaria – The Rove Beetle – A flightcapable
beetle that doesn’t look like a beetle. A fast-moving soil
dwelling predator known for its aggressive feeding on fungus gnat
larvae, thrips pupae, springtails and shore flies; possible control of root
mealybugs. Dalotia populations should mirror those of their prey, once
established. Being opportunistic, their numbers may stay fairly high in
an area such as a greenhouse with a gravel floor or raised beds, or a
garden with lots of organic matter. This is definitely a good thing, as it
may allow for more infrequent releases.
Optimum performance: 55-95° F
Release rates: 0.5/sq ft. Can increase to 1/sq ft to speed up
establishment in areas of high infestation
Note: For more soil pest control options, also see Stratiolaelaps,
under Thrip control.
OTHER BIO-CONTROLS
AND SIZES
ARE AVAILABLE
Mite Controls
Amblyseius andersoni - This predatory mite eats many
different pest mites such as spider mite, gall mite, and russet mite.
As temperatures decrease, and days become shorter, in early
autumn, the mites will enter into a diapause so they can successfully
survive winter conditions. They are intended as a preventative
treatment for spider mites and other mite pests. It is best used
before pest populations have reached high levels.
Optimum performance: 43º F – 104º F
Release rate: 2 - 3/10 sq ft
Neoseiulus californicus & fallacis - Used for the
prevention, control, and management of various spider mites.
Neoseiulus californicus actively hunt in conditions where prey is
few; deals with some nearly microscopic species, like broad mites.
They have the best possible potential for usage in a crop with no
mites to start.
Neoseiulus fallacis can work on pest mites in a multitude of
conditions. Some mite species impacted: the 2-spotted, red,
6-spotted, & Pacific. May also hamper privet, cyclamen, broad &
tomato russet mites.
Optimum performance: 50-110° F, 40-60%RH, considerably cooler/
warmer temps will hamper reproduction & development some.
Regular releases are recommended
Release rates: Low infestation - 0.5/sq ft
High infestation – 2-4/sq ft.; Hot spots - 2/sq ft
Phytoseiulus persimilis – The Fast Action
Predatory Mite is fast, active, thorough, and
cost-effective. Useful against two-spotted mites
in nearly every conceivable location. Responds
well to higher pest numbers. Shipped as mixed
forms in a flowable vermiculite.
Optimum performance: 70-85° F, 60-90%
Phytoseiulus
FAST ACTION PREDATORY MITE
relative humidity
Release rates: Low - 0.5/sq ft, regular releases recommended; High - 2/sq ft
Note: For more mite controls see Chrysoperla under aphid controls
Thrips Controls can (nematodes
be used)
Amblyseius (Neoseiulus) cucumeris
- the thrips predatory mite, are useful for
the prevention, control, and management
of various thrips species. They are tough,
flexible predators that happen to prefer thrips,
mostly the immature thrips stages. These
predators are compatible with many pesticides
and incorporate into an IPM program nicely.
Shipped with some prey mates.
Optimum performance: 66-80° F, 65-72%
relative humidity
Release rates: 5-10/sq ft, repeat weekly or
bi-weekly as needed
Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly
Hypoaspis miles)– The soil-dwelling mite
that consumes thrip pupae in the soil or media.
Thrips Predatory Mite
Stratiolaelaps scimitus
Predatory Mite
Stratiolaelaps work well in concert with the other thrip controls listed.
As an added bonus — the mites also consume fungus gnat larvae,
springtails and other soil pests. Shipped with some prey mates.
Optimum performance: 60-72° F soil temp
Release rates: Preventative - 10/sq ft; Curative - 30/sq ft
Orius insidiosus – The Minute Pirate Bug, consuming both thrips’
larvae and adults, is considered one of the big guns. One important
fact, though: these true bugs are photosensitive and need long days to
work (March– October) unless supplemental lighting is provided.
Optimum performance: 50-73° F
Release rates: 0.5-1/10 sq ft
SHIPPED NEXT DAY AIR FOB: Suppliers
ALL BENEFICIAL INSECTS
ARE SPECIAL ORDER
AND CANNOT BE RETURNED
...continued on next page
beneficial insects
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