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Can Crypts be Problematic in Interiorscapes?

We are often asked this very question. And invariably the answer is the same: yes, Crypts, like many biocontrols, can be a problem — we won’t lie — but it is an improbable possibility and actually quite atypical. In fact, as of the time of this writing, we’ve only heard of one issue with using them. In this rare case, it was in a doctor’s office reception area/waiting room. It happened like this:

The Client

In New York City an interiorscaper decided to apply Cryptolaemus montrouzieri beetles on some mealybug-infested pothos hanging down from TOPsider planter boxes stationed on the railing (RAILsiders?) of a second floor mezzanine open below to the doctor’s office reception area/waiting room. The pothos were hanging down four feet, creating a beautiful curtain of green that terminated about eight feet above a sofa in the waiting area. We supported the interiorscaper’s choice to do this, unsuspecting of any potential issue that might arise.

All was fine at first. The Crypts took to their new location quickly, devouring the mealies. A successful implementation if there ever was one. The client (the doctor) was cool with it, the visiting patients were oblivious as usual, the pests where being controlled, no new honeydew was coating the leaves, and the Crypts were reproducing. Another success story. Until, that is, the day the blue-haired lady came in.

The Victim

An elderly woman with blue-tinted hair (no, not Marge Simpson) showed up for her appointment and took a seat on the waiting room couch, below the pothos. All was fine. But before she was called into the examination room, though, things went awry. There was a sudden shout from the waiting room. The receptionist looked out and saw the woman picking at her hair, obviously upset. She hurried out to the woman, worried and wondering what the problem was.

The woman stated that a bug dropped into her hair and was trying to extract it. With the help of the receptionist the critter was removed. Meanwhile, the now-available physician came into the waiting room to find out what all the fuss was about. Both the patient and receptionist were visibly upset as they explained what had happened. The doctor remained calm. When they were done, he asked both of them to sit while he seated himself. He then proceeded to explain what the bug was and why it was there.

The Happy Ending

Once he was through the receptionist, relieved, went back to her station while the woman followed the doctor into the examination room. She was smiling and completely calm. It could have turned out worse. Had the doctor been in the dark like the two women, he would have probably been upset, too. He wasn’t, though, because he knew. And he knew because the interiorscaper had considerately told him how he planned to control the pests. Honesty is the best policy. All worked out well in the end.

This is a very rare occurrence so I don’t want to deter you from using biocontrols in publicly accessible interiors, but since the possibility exists, it’s best to be open about your techniques if you plan on using good bugs in your interiorscape account, but this topic alone (as well as one other similar story) will be addressed in the near future.

Filed under Editorial —

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