Encarsia formosa - Whitefly Control
LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
TARGET PESTS:
Most species of Whitefly pests.
ABOUT ENCARSIA FORMOSA:
Encarsia formosa is a tiny parasitic wasp known for its effective control of whitefly populations. Encarsia formosa measures <1 millimeter in length and has a distinctive appearance, with a black head and thorax, and a bright yellow abdomen. As an adult, females actively seek out whiteflies, specifically targeting the immature stages such as eggs and pupae. The female wasp deposits her eggs inside the whitefly's body where it develops into larvae and feeds on the whitefly, turning the whitefly black or brown in color.
INTRODUCTION RATES:
Hang on lower leaves out of direct sunlight. Avoid getting wet.
Introduce indoors or outdoors. It is best to release Encarsia formosa in temperatures over 68°F and relative humidity of 50-70%. When daytime highs are regularly below 64°F Encarsia activity decreases making them less effective.
LIGHT INFESTATION: 2-5 wasps per sq. ft.
HEAVY INFESTATION: 10+ wasps per sq. ft.
It's important to note that these introduction 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.
RELEASE LOCATIONS:
Indoors and outdoors on a wide variety of plants.
PRO TIP:
To achieve a comprehensive approach in controlling Whiteflies, it is recommended to combine the use of Encarsia formosa with other beneficial predators such as Delphastus catalinae and Eretmocerus eremicus.
STORAGE:
For best results, introduce immediately. If storage is necessary, store at 40°-50°F for no longer than 14 days.
LIFE CYCLE:
The life cycle of Encarsia formosa lasts approximately 28 days at a temperature of around 70°F. Typically, Encarsia formosa consists mostly of females, and each female can lay up to 10 eggs per day. The eggs are deposited individually, with one egg per whitefly host. After being laid, the eggs develop inside the whitefly scale for about 10 days. Following this stage, they enter the pupal stage, which lasts for another 10 days. Finally, the adult Encarsia formosa wasps emerge from the pupae. These adult wasps have a lifespan of up to 30 days.
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
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
Controls whitefly nymphs and pupae. For maximum control, use in conjunction with Eretmocerus eremicus.
Encarsia formosa are tiny parasitoids that despite their relatively short lifespan and very small size, are specifically employed for the biological control of whiteflies. With a black body, clear wings, and measuring a mere 0.5-1mm, Encarsia formosa are hard to see without magnification. Interestingly, these natural predators parasitize whitefly nymphs and pupae rather than eggs, and their predatory companion, Delphastus catalinae, will not feed on whitefly nymphs that have been parasitized by Encarsia formosa. Females can individually lay up to 100 eggs within a 1-2 week lifespan by injecting them inside whitefly nymphs or pupae. In about 3-5 days, the eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host through larval development for approximately 7-10 days. When fully developed, the larvae pupate inside the host for about 5-7 days and emerge as adults.
CROPS
CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruits
Ornamental Crops
Hemp
USAGES
Greenhouses
Indoor Facilities
Field and Row Crops
Interiorscapes
Gardens
INTRODUCTION RATES
1 insect per sq. ft. or 1-5 insects per infested plant, 1-2 weeks, at least 5 times.
Temperature Range: 63-95°F
APPLICATION
Introduce in the morning or evening. Activity peaks at temperatures over 68°F and humidity of 50-70%.
Treat the area against ants.
Hang cards on lower leaves, out of direct sunlight. Avoid getting wet.
Leave cards in place for at least 21 days to ensure emergence.
PRO TIPS
- Yellow sticky traps can catch Encarsia. We recommend removing sticky traps at time of release.
- Encarsia can target different whitefly species but will parasitize 2nd and 4th instars of the whitefly nymph. It needs whitefly nymphs to complete its lifecycle.
- Parasitized whitefly nymphs can take 10-14 days to begin appearing. Whitefly nymphs will begin turning a black hue if parasitized by Encarsia.
- To achieve a comprehensive approach to controlling whiteflies, it is recommended to combine the use of Encarsia formosa with other beneficial predators such as Delphastus catalinae and Eretmocerus eremicus.
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Pesticides, even-wetting agents, and spreader-stickers may adversely affect beneficial insect survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic.
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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 45-55°F for no longer than 24 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!
Changes/Cancellations:
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.
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.