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Our Bug Blog

A number of folks have been calling wanting to order one or more of our Trichogramma spp. miniwasps hoping to control caterpillars. Unfortunately, Trichogramma spp. are moth egg parasitoids and thus don’t control caterpillars, at least not directly. Of course there are other options, large predatory bugs like the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) can impact local caterpillar populations. But one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to deal with caterpillars is to use one of our Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) formulations. And to make Bt even more cost-effective, for a limited time we’re discounting selected products. It’s time to stock up!

Continue reading “Selected BT Products On Sale” »

I often explain why making multiple releases of biocontrols makes sense in human terms. I typically do this over the phone, but I don’t think I’ve ever written about my oft-used analogy. The one I resort to most often is to compare releasing of biocontrols to the US Civil War tactic where rows of infantry — the Line — would keep pressure on opposing forces by creating an unceasing barrage of fire.

Continue reading “Why Multiple Biocontrol Releases Makes Sense” »

We would have put our predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis or beetle Stethorus punctillum on sale being it’s summer and spider mite pressure is high. But current demand is such to warrant production concerns as it is (in terms on quantity, not quality). Thus, instead we figured it’d be better to treat those already lucky enough to not have significant mite problems with a sale on our preventive, low-infestation-managing predatory mite Neoseiulus fallacis.

Continue reading “Two Weeks of Summer Fallacis Sale” »

We like to produce a hopefully entertaining yet somewhat educational piece of fiction once a year, an anecdote, for your enjoyment as well as our own. Historically this was done in our catalog, then it became an online practice right around catalog time. This year, while we’re on a vacation of sorts, offering a vacation from seriousness in the form of the following story seemed fitting. Enjoy.

Continue reading “Linoland” »

We mentioned in our last weblog entry that we were celebrating the arrival and availability of the summer beetles. Specifically we mean a brand new generation of our ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) is being collected as I write this. In honor of this we hinted that we might just have a sale. Well, we are. Enjoy.

Continue reading “2010 Summer Beetles Sale” »

Independence Day — the fourth of July — will soon be upon us. For us it’s always been a demarcation line of sorts. Being that for years our customers have been almost exclusively of the commercial plant-growing variety, the season would slow down for them, sales of plants done, and the season would consequentially slow down for us, too. Now, however, between parks and other institutions, interiorscapers, and more home gardeners finding us on the web than ever before (those sold plants are now in their, your, hands, perhaps), our season has been extended right through to the end. And we’re with you all the way. But first, here are two important announcements.

Continue reading “Holiday Announcement and the Summer Beetles” »