Cryptolaemus montrouzieri - Pro Tips
- Attracted to and often lay eggs on the mealybugs' waxy secretions and egg cases.
- For best results, introduce in early spring. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri cannot survive in cold temperatures (below 50°F), and therefor need to be reintroduced where the winter temperatures are too low.
- Packaging contains paper strips for shipment as well as honey for food source.
- Cryptolaemus are not as effective on mealybugs that do not lay egg masses, such as long-tailed mealybugs.
- Treat area against ants. Ants tend to mealybugs and some scale insects for honeydew, and in the process protect the pests from the beneficial insect.
-
Pesticides, even-wetting agents, and spreader-stickers may adversely affect beneficial insect survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic.
-
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.