Indoor Garden Pack - Description

GREEN LACEWINGS
Green Lacewings, also known as the Aphid Exterminator, are essential defenders against a wide range of garden pests. These delicate insects, measuring about ½ - ¾ inches, lay tiny eggs near pest populations, which hatch into larvae within days. The larvae, resembling alligators, actively hunt and feed on soft-bodied pests for 2-4 weeks before pupating and emerging as adults. Each female can lay up to 200 eggs, ensuring a continuous cycle of pest control. To optimize their effectiveness, consider the specific pests, level of infestation, life cycle timing, and environmental conditions of your garden when choosing between larvae, eggs, or adults for introduction.

 

AMBLYSEIUS CUCUMERIS

Amblyseius cucumeris are versatile predatory mites characterized by eight legs and a pear-shaped body, with coloration adapting to their prey. They exhibit good tolerance to varying temperatures and humidity levels, making them suitable for controlling mite populations both indoors and outdoors. As generalists, they feed on various pest mite species. Female cucumeris deposit spherical, transparent eggs beneath leaves, close to pest infestations. Under optimal conditions, these eggs hatch into larvae with three pairs of legs within 2-3 days. Through two nymphal stages, they develop four pairs of legs and progressively target larger immature pests until reaching adulthood. Throughout their 30-day lifespan, adult cucumeris consume significant numbers of pests while perpetuating the reproductive cycle.

 

AMBLYSEIUS SWIRSKII

Amblyseius swirskii, as generalist predatory mites, prey on various small arthropod pests such as Thrips, Whiteflies, and a diverse range of spider mites. Typically beige or tan in color and measuring around 0.5mm in length, Swirskii possess relatively short legs and an oval body adorned with long, distinctive sensory hairs. These highly mobile predators boast a brief reproductive cycle, rendering them valuable for controlling target pests. Females lay oval-shaped eggs attached to leaf surfaces and close to pest populations. Within 2-3 days, these eggs hatch into 6-legged larvae actively seeking out pest eggs and small pest larvae for the following 1-3 days. Following the larval stage, SWIRSKII undergo two nymphal phases, spanning approximately 4-7 days, during which they acquire 8 legs and persist in preying upon their targets. Upon reaching full maturity, they assume their roles as adult predatory mites.

 

NEMATODES

Beneficial Nematodes are tiny worms found in soil that target young stages of pest insects, like larvae, grubs, nymphs, and pupae. These helpful creatures rely on moisture to move around and locate their prey. If it's too dry, they can't move well, and if it's too wet, they might drown or get washed away.

Their life cycle starts when female nematodes lay eggs, which hatch into non-feeding juveniles. These juveniles molt several times until they become hungry infective juveniles. They actively search for hosts, enter them, and release bacteria that kill the pests. Within a few days, the infected insect dies, and the juveniles feed on it. This cycle repeats until conditions change.

When the food source is gone, mature nematodes mate, and females lay eggs, starting the cycle anew. It continues as long as conditions stay favorable..