The good bugs in this section are amazing.
Here it is, the mainstay of the site, the biological pest control agents. The insects, the mites, and the nematodes. The multi-cellular guys with the white hats. It’s May of 2008 and the Good Bugs still Rule! Come on in and join the fun. There’s some learnin’ goin’ on.
Welcome to the World of the Good Bugs
This page will introduce you to some of this section’s pages. To learn about the first biocontrol in each section click on the icons.
Introducing the Beneficial Good Bugs
The good bugs in this section are amazing. To see them in action and to hear stories of the good they do is awesome. Treat these bugs well and they’ll treat you well. Now, time to meet the “beneficial insects,” as some call them. This is the section intro.
Biocontrols for Aphids
Aphids, plant lice, whatever you call them, due to their potential for exponential growth, they are spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. Controls like the Aphidius spp. help a lot. As do the others in this section: Aphidoletes aphidimyza, Chrysoperla spp., and Hippodamia convergens. The scale predatory beetle Harmonia axyridis can also help.
Biocontrols for Caterpillars
We love butterflies, and moths keep our porch lights company at night, but their young, the larvae, the worms, and caterpillars are somewhat less endearing. Good bugs like the Trichogramma spp. can really save the day — and your favorite tree. Other biocontrols, like “other” pest predator Podisus maculiventris and the aphid predator Chrysoperla spp., can also help us level the playing field.
Biocontrols for Leafminers
No offense to the fellows in the miners’ union, but leafminers are a pain. This is not a huge pest, and they’re not too widespread, but the damage is so unsightly that employing controls like Dacnusa siberica can help a lot. In warm conditions we also offer Diglyphus isaea. In fact, even Parasitic Nematodes can help.
Biocontrols for Scales and Mealybugs
Like bumps on a log, scale insects — including mealybugs — just sit there, happily damaging our valuable plants. Make an impact on their lifestyle with good bugs like Aphytis melinus. The section also features Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Leptomastix dactylopii, Harmonia axyridis, Metaphycus helvolus, Rhyzobius lophanthae, and Cybocephalus nipponicus. Even the aphid predators Chrysoperla spp. can help.
Biocontrols for Soil Pests
Who rules the dirt kingdom? Normally the answer would be grubs and larvae. However, when using our various nematodes, all that is history. We can also “Scour the Soils” with other biocontrols such as the rove beetle, Atheta coriaria. Even our thrips predatory Hypoaspis miles can bail you out.
Biocontrols for Spider Mites
Just because everyone it seems has or has had mites doesn’t make it right. Our mite predators can be quite effective at eliminating the tiny but serious pests. Predatory mites such as Neoseiulus fallacis, Phytoseiulus persimilis, our Mixed Mites, the beetle Stethorus punctillum, and midge Feltiella acarisuga, are all covered here.
Biocontrols for Thrips
What’s really small, carries plant diseases, crawls into flowers — even unopened buds — and kills them? Thrips you say? You’re right on. Live in fear no longer, target them with biocontrol agents like Neoseiulus cucumeris, Hypoaspis miles, Iphiseius degenerans, and Orius insidiosus, and change the way you view them forever.
Biocontrols for Whiteflies
If it’s not snowing in your greenhouse, it might be whitefly. Well, treat them to a dose or three of Delphastus pusillus, and if you can identify them, hit ‘em with Encarsia formosa or Eretmocerus eremicus as well. You’ll learn how right here.
Biocontrols for Other Pests
So many pests, yet so little time, money, and will to deal with them. It’s true, no denying it. But here it is, the end so to speak. There are a few more Biocontrols discussed in this section. Critters like our Fly Parasitoids, Mantids, Pediobius foveolatus, Podisus maculiventris, Pseudoscymnus tsugae, and even some Bumblebees for crop pollination. All good guys — all on our side.
Need More Info?
You still here? Okay, maybe you need more. You might find the answers you seek in our Necessary Info, IPM Products, or Plant Pest sections. If not, just Contact Us. We’ll try to help.
