Aphidoletes aphidimyza - Aphid Control

Scientific Names: Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Potato Aphids, Pea Aphids, Peach Aphids, Honeysuckle Aphids, Melon Aphids, Black Bean Aphids, Rose Aphids, Lettuce Aphids, Cherry Aphids, & various other aphid species.

A. aphidimyza are indigenous predators that prey on over 60 species of aphids. Male A. aphidimyza have long, hair-covered antennae, while females possess shorter, thicker antennae. To initiate mating, females fly to spider webs, where they wait for a male partner. To enhance the likelihood of successful mating, leave existing spider webs or use stretched cotton balls to simulate them. Within 2-3 days, the eggs hatch into orange, legless maggots, each measuring up to 3mm, and with a voracious appetite for 7-14 days. Following this feeding phase, the larvae pupate within a cocoon, eventually emerging as adults to initiate the reproductive cycle anew. A. aphidimyza are typically shipped in the pupal (cocoon) stage, nestled in moist vermiculite or sand.

CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruit Crops
Hemp
Ornamental Crops
Tree Nurseries

USAGES
Greenhouses
Field Crops
Gardens

These predators cannot be used when the day length is below 12 hours or any time of the year indoors. They can be used in hydroponic systems, but don’t expect any establishment (multiple generations) since they pupate in the soil.

1 insect per 3 sq. ft., weekly, 2-3 times
1,000-4,000 insects per acre, weekly, 1-3 times.
Temperature Range: 50-88°F

Most of the Aphidoletes will still be in their pupal stage when delivered. Gently disperse any emerged adults onto infested plants. Place remaining pupae in small piles onto moist soil near aphid infestations. Leave open container on it's side, in place for 72 hours to allow any remaining insects to be introduced.

• Yellow sticky cards should be removed for the first few days after the release of the midges. Blue sticky cards are acceptable to keep the entire time but avoid releasing them right next to them.
  
  
• Releasing Aphidoletes during late summer in the presence of aphids can effectively decrease the population of aphids that overwinter. It also helps establish a predator population that remains active during the early spring of the following year.
  
  
• If ants are present, be sure that they are controlled before releasing Aphidoletes or aphid parasitoids. Aphids produce honeydew that the ants feed on and will protect them from predators or parasitoids.

• Do not introduce in combination with Green Lacewings or Amblyseius swirskii since the lacewing larvae will eat the Aphidoletes larvae, and A. swirskii may eat the midge eggs.
  
  

• Aphidoletes respond to cool temperatures by entering diapause, therefore in most greenhouses they are only active from mid-March to September unless supplemental lighting is used.

• Using 10x-15x magnification, full grown larvae are relatively easy to see among aphids because of their characteristic color. Younger larvae are pale and smaller, and are much more difficult to see.

• Depending on the size and type of plants, the number and type of pests, other predator and parasite populations, and temperature, the frequency of releases may be affected.

STORE POLICIES

Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing your order, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund and Return Policy. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.

We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Products are sold for home use only, not commercial use.

QUALITY GUARANTEE

If your beneficial insects or other perishable products are not viable when delivered, email info@naturesgoodguys.sbs within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a description of the problem. Photos may be requested. Approved replacements ship on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

• Open your package right away and check for storage instructions. Some products need refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
• Ice packs help moderate temperature in transit and are not expected to arrive frozen.
• Some insects need time at room temperature before they become active, and many are hard to see without magnification.

SHIPPING

• Processing: 1 to 3 business days. Orders placed by 12:00 pm Pacific may process the same day, but this is not guaranteed.
• Overnight: ships Monday to Thursday, and Friday for addresses with Saturday delivery, excluding holidays.
• Second Day: ships Monday to Wednesday, and Thursday for addresses with Saturday delivery.
• USPS: ships Monday to Friday.
• We do not ship to PO boxes.

Some products are harvested on set days, and we may hold shipments during extreme weather to protect product quality. We will contact you if your order is delayed significantly.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

Please contact us within 30 minutes of placing your order to change or cancel it.

RETURNS AND REPLACEMENTS

Beneficial insects and other perishable products cannot be returned; they are covered by the Quality Guarantee above. Unopened garden supplies and tools can be returned within 30 days. Full details are in our Refund and Return Policy.

Replacements are not available for an incorrect shipping address, storage or use instructions not followed, or packages left uncollected after delivery.