Aphidoletes aphidimyza - Aphid Control

$60.00

SKU:

Description

LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED

 

TARGET PESTS:
Over 60 Aphid species. Larvae can consume 30-50 aphids per day.

 

ABOUT APHIDOLETES APHIDYMIZA:
Aphidoletes aphidymiza is used for controlling aphids in various settings. The larvae of aphidoletes are highly effective predators, targeting more than 60 species of aphids. These larvae are legless maggots with a vibrant orange color and can reach lengths of up to 3 mm (1/16 inch). The adult Aphidoletes are small, delicate midges, resembling flies, measuring about 2-3 mm (1/16 inch) in length. The males possess long, hairy antennae, while the females have shorter and thicker antennas. Adult Aphidoletes are primarily active in the evening and are not frequently seen.

 

RELEASE LOCATIONS:
Indoors and outdoors on a wide range of plants in various settings including commercial greenhouses, interior plant-scapes, orchards, shade trees, roses, and home gardens.

 

INTRODUCTION RATES:

LIGHT TO MODERATE INFESTATIONS
Small Area: 1 Midge per 6 plants, weekly, for 2 weeks
Large Area: 1,000-4,000 Midges per acre, 1-3 times a week, every 1-2 weeks

RELEASE OPTION 1 - Keep container at 70°F until a few adults are seen flying in container. Leave container around infested plant to allow any remaining Aphidimyza to be released.

RELEASE OPTION 2 - Release cocoons immediately upon receipt. Gently sprinkle contents onto the infested area. Keep area moist (not wet) until adults emerge. Adults emerge within 7-14 days.

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.

It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.

STORAGE:

For best results, release immediately upon receipt. If storage is necessary, store at 70°F for no longer than 24 hours.


PRO TIPS:

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.


LIFE CYCLE:

Aphidoletes aphidymiza has a life cycle of approximately 21 days at 21°C (70°F), influenced by temperature and prey availability.

Female midges (60% of population) lay 150-200 shiny orange oval eggs near aphids. After 2-3 days, the eggs hatch and larvae emerge. Larvae feed for 7-10 days. Larvae pupate by spinning cocoons in the top layer of soil or organic material. Adults emerge in 2-3 weeks. Outdoor populations overwinter in soil cocoons, enduring various climates.

Outdoors, the last generation of Aphidoletes in the fall overwinters in the cocoons in the soil. They are hardy and survive outside through the cold growing regions.

It's important to note that these time-frames are approximate and can be influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and the availability of prey. Monitoring the development and activity of beneficial insect populations, along with environmental conditions, can help determine the progress and effectiveness of their role in pest control efforts.


 

TARGET PESTS

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.


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED

Aphidoletes aphidimyza controls over 60 aphid species. Release early to give time for the larval stage to develop. May diapause.


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

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.

INTRODUCTION RATES

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

It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and can differ depending on the specific pest species, the plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
APPLICATION

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.

PRO TIPS
  • 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.
STORAGE

For best results, introduce immediately upon receipt. If storage is necessary, store at 40-50°F for no longer than 48 hours. Store out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze.

DISCLAIMER

Store Policies

Please review our store policies below on Shipping & Processing, Live Delivery Guarantee, and Returns/Replacements. By placing your order, you are agreeing to these policies. Thank you!

Thank you for shopping with us! No recommendation on pesticide use has been made by, or provided to, by the seller concerning the use of the pesticide covered by this website. Purchaser claims is for home use only and "not for commercial use".
Shipping & Processing:
Please allow 1-3 business days to process your order. At Natures Good Guys, we offer a variety of shipping methods for you to choose from when checking out after your purchase to give you flexibility. Overnight shipping and Second day are shipping services that we offer, however, choosing those services does not mean your order will ship the same day your order was placed. Overnight and second day shipping starts at transit time NOT when the order is placed.  While every effort will be made to expedite your order, we cannot guarantee same day order processing. Orders are shipped as quickly as possible and according to the availability of the product. Tracking information for UPS, USPS and FedEx deliveries will automatically be sent to your email if and when that information is available. 
Harvest Delays:
Please note that while we make our best attempt to keep all of our products in stock, nature sometimes thinks differently! We need to work with the natural reproductive cycles of living organisms, which means that on occasion your order will be delayed. Certain insects are harvested on specific days only, and sometimes our harvest will be delayed. In such a case, we will make our best attempt to send your order as soon as possible, or notify you through email or phone if there will be a significant delay.
Overnight Shipping:
We ship Overnight orders from Mon-Thurs and Second day orders from Mon-Wed (excluding holiday weeks/schedule varies), in order to prevent bugs from sitting in warehouses all weekend long and to assure their viability upon arrival. Second day orders will ship on Thursdays but only those whose address is Saturday deliverable. We do NOT ship Overnight and Second day orders Fri-Sun. USPS orders ship from Mon-Fri. Our cutoff time is 12 PM (pacific time). Please provide an email and phone number when placing your order, in case of a delay we will notify you to inform you about the delay and when to expect your order.  We DO NOT ship to PO boxes. We reserve the right to withhold shipments due to weather extremes or holidays.

Changes/Cancellations:
Due to the high volume of orders we process, we kindly ask that you notify us within 30 minutes of placing your order for any changes or cancellation requests. If you reach out to us after the order has already entered production, we will make our best efforts to accommodate your request; however, we cannot guarantee its feasibility at that stage.
Live Delivery Guarantee:
At NaturesGoodGuys, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality beneficial insects to enhance your gardening experience. Our Live Delivery Guarantee means that if you receive insects that are not viable upon delivery, you can contact us for a resolution.Simply email us at naturesgoodguys@gmail.com, providing your order number and a detailed description of the issue you encountered. We may require photos of both the insects and the packaging they arrived in. Our dedicated team will work diligently to address the problem and find a suitable solution.

Please note that our Live Delivery Guarantee pertains specifically to the condition of the insects at the time of delivery and does not cover instances where insects may perish at a later stage.   We will exercise our discretion to assess whether your situation falls within the time frame qualifying for our policy. Factors such as the insect species, hatching time, temperature conditions, and other relevant considerations will be taken into account to determine the applicability of the guarantee. For non-hatching insects, you must contact us within 48 hours of delivery in order to be considered for the guarantee. Replacements will only be processed/shipped on Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Upon receiving your package from NaturesGoodGuys, we highly recommend opening it immediately and checking for a sticker indicating the need for refrigeration. It's crucial to carefully read the instructions included for specific storage information to ensure the well-being of your beneficial insects. We are not responsible for replacements due to incorrect storage methods.

One important thing to note is that we do not expect ice packs to remain frozen or cold upon delivery. Ice packs serve as a temporary measure to help maintain moisture and temperatures during transit.Please keep in mind that some insects may require time to adjust and recover from transit before they become active. If you don't observe immediate movement upon opening the package, this doesn't necessarily mean they are not viable. Give them a little time, and monitor for signs of activity as they settle into their new environment. Most of our insects are difficult to see without magnification.

Some species/quantities do not have multiple shipping methods to choose from because they require short transit time for viability. For those who have concerns about the well-being of their insects during transit, we suggest selecting overnight shipping. This ensures that your beneficial insects spend minimal time in transit, reducing stress and maximizing their chances of arriving in optimal condition.
Returns/Replacements:
If you have received an item that is damaged, defective or incorrect, please contact us immediately when you receive your shipment to resolve the problem. We do not typically ask for dead insects to be sent back to us, but replacements can be scheduled if the order is qualified, which is determined by customer support (please read our Live Delivery Guarantee). Please note that while we will happily replace packages that have been damaged, incorrect, or lost, we are not responsible for dead insects in the following situations:

1. Customer input the incorrect shipping information: If the customer contacts our help line BEFORE their order has been processed to correct an address error we will be able to perform this change for you so that you can receive your order.
2. Customer did not follow the instructions included with the shipped item: All of our items including our beneficial insects are shipped with instructions on proper use and storage (this can also be found on our website). Failure to follow the printed instructions or using a product other than for its intended uses will result in unsatisfactory results. Each case of unsatisfactory results are unique, therefore a customer service agent will help assess if the instructions were followed before any further actions can be taken on a claim.
3. Customer's inability to receive the shipment in a timely fashion after delivery. If a customer is not home to accept the package when it is delivered, it is either taken back to the post office or left exposed to the elements in your yard or mailbox and this will cause stress to the insects, potentially resulting in insect death. Make sure that when you place an order you arrange a convenient time to be home to accept the shipment when it is delivered. We provide tracking information on all shipped orders so that the customer can be aware of when they should be expecting their order. Do not place an order you do not think you will be home to accept as we will not replace packages that die out of customer negligence.