http://greenmethods.com/site Biological Pest Control and Integrated Pest Management Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:01:30 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In an effort to encourage more growers to put Atheta coriaria through its paces as an aggressive soil pest predator -- for soil pests like fungus gnats -- we've decided to put them on sale for a couple of weeks. If you purchase them now and put them in your greenhouse, not only is your timing good, but you also can save a little money.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/03/limited-time-atheta-sale/ http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/03/notice-bad-weather-impacts-business/ One of the main detractors of using biocontrols is the high cost of freight. Overnight shipping -- required for most packages moving outside of New England -- is ridiculously expensive. But it doesn't necessarily have to be. Freight costs can be drastically reduced if growers or gardeners embrace a sense of community or club, and work together, combining their orders into single, composite shipments. ]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/02/more-dealers-needed/ As we recently mentioned, we have a new Encarsia formosa strain available. Specifically what's known as the "Nile Delta" strain. To remind you, its claim to fame is its ability to parasitize a handful of whitefly species, where as our regular E. formosa is only useful against the so-called greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, only. In light of this new offering, we've decided to kick it off with a sale.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/02/introductory-nile-delta-encarsia-sale/ At the urging of one of the biological pest control agent producers we work with, we have decided to bring on board a somewhat newer strain of our popular whitefly parasitoid, Encarsia formosa. Specifically, we've added what is known as the Nile Delta strain of E. formosa.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/02/now-offering-nile-delta-encarsia/ We decided to offer our thrips predatory mite, Neoseiulus cucumeris, on sale for a limited time. It was a tough choice. Some various cultures have been weakened by weird West Coast weather patterns so we wanted to be sure to offer something that may be needed and is in great supply. Our "cucus" fit the bill in all areas. Start now in your fight against thrips and you can save some money. If you've had thrips problems in the past in your greenhouse or interior plant place, a sound preventive program might just save you more than the percentage off this week's item.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/02/cuckoo-for-cucumeris-sale/ Last year we were asked why we don't offer a mixture of our three Mite Predator Trio species. The person asking felt that because we list them on the same page, and call them a trio, that all of the species ordered come in one container. We concede to that, the potential for confusion, that is. Any misleading information, though, is quickly negated when trying to order them, as our caller learned. But, confusion aside, it seems offering a mixture of various species in one container is popular in the industry, so why we don't do it, too, is a fair question.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/01/predator-mite-mixes-necessary/ Always a popular item -- probably due to the lack of perishability allowing purchase anytime -- our sticky traps are on sale again. It's not a huge discount, but savings are savings so it's time to stock up while prices are reduced. Stay ahead of your pests by regularly monitoring for them, and our sticky traps can be an instrumental part.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/01/sticky-trap-stock-up-sale/ If 2009 was your first year of using biocontrols as part of an IPM program, how did it go? Were you successful in meeting your goals? We suspect most of you will answer that you've partially met your goals; only a small minority will speak of rare grand successes or of dismal catastrophic failures. The majority of new users struggle the first year (or more), but usually survive, stronger and more knowledgeable than before. We've heard from some of you, and where there was failure, there is some strong commonality. And this commonality is confirmed by our years of experience helping folks overcome their initial experiences. ]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/01/what-went-wrong-and-why/ What better way is there to kick off 2010 than to offer you some savings? We couldn't think of one so here we are, offering you our first sales item of the year. We should add that like last year, this sale will be one of many, with an almost continuous sales offering throughout 2010. ]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2010/01/first-sale-of-the-year/ We're back and hopefully you're glad to see us. This will be our final entry for 2009 and with it we figured a couple of updates and announcements are in order. And, of course, a final pat on the shoulder to you, with our encouragement and best wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year. Now, without further ado -- since we know you really want to get back to over-eating and drinking since the holidays aren't over yet -- some news.]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2009/12/last-entry-for-2009/ As we warned in a previous entry, we're closed this week and will re-open on December 28th. This means that unless you have pre-arranged a drop-shipment for this week, we will not be shipping. Moreover, we will not be available by phone. If you need us you can send a fax to 603.942.8932, which is secure for ordering, or leave us a short phone message at 603.942.8925. We'll get back to you when we return. You can still place orders by way of our online shop, but do know that most live organism shipments, if ordered this week, will be delayed until the first week of January (ladybugs, however, which happen to be on sale, will ship next week).]]> http://greenmethods.com/site/weblog/2009/12/were-on-vacation-this-week/