Aphid Double Mix - A. colemani + A. ervi - Aphid Control
TARGET PESTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SHIPPED FRESH & QUALITY GUARANTEED
Aphidius colemani controls smaller-bodied aphids. Aphidius ervi controls larger-bodied aphids.
Parasitoid mix commonly used for managing aphid populations. A. colemani primarily targets smaller aphid species, while A. ervi are more effective against larger aphid species. This combination covers a wider range of aphids to serve as hosts. These parasitoids inject eggs into aphid hosts that hatch into larvae within 2-5 days. The larvae immediately start feeding and develop into pupae inside the aphid. After the pupal stage, adults emerge from the protective mummy continuing to parasitize aphids. Females can lay more than 100 eggs during their 2-week lifespan.
ABOUT APHIDIUS COLEMANI
Adult A. colemani are black 2-3mm long with long antennae and narrow abdomens. Adult females lay eggs from their abdomen by quickly curling their abdomen and puncturing an aphid simultaneously with their ovipositor. The egg, once inside the aphid, will hatch into a larva and consume the aphid. The larvae then pupates (spins a cocoon) inside the dead aphid. The mummified aphid swells into a characteristic round, golden brown mummy. The emerging adult will cut a symmetrical hole at the bottom end to escape from the mummified aphid. After injecting the aphid with an egg, it takes about a week for the mummy to form and then another week for the adult to appear.
ABOUT APHIDIUS ERVI
Aphidius ervi are around 4-5mm long and have a black body with translucent wings. They are often mistaken for small flies due to their size and delicate appearance. Aphidius ervi is widely distributed and commonly used in biological pest control programs.
Sex ratio is 60-70% female. The female adult will lay an egg directly into the aphid body where it hatches and the larvae will consume the aphid’s body from within. When A. ervi larvae mature, the host aphid transforms into a black mummy over 7 days. Subsequently, it takes another 14 days for the mummy to mature into an adult, which emerges through a hole at the mummy's rear. Expect to observe the first mummies in your crops at least 14 days after the initial release.
CROPS
CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruit Crops
Hemp
Ornamental Crops
Tree Nurseries
USAGES
Greenhouses
Indoor Facilities
Field Crops
Gardens
INTRODUCTION RATES
1-5 insects per 10 sq. ft., weekly, 2-3 times
Temperature Range: 50-86°F
APPLICATION
Gently disperse insects onto infested plants. Leave open container on it's side, in place for 24 hours to allow any remaining insects to be introduced.
Do not place product directly onto soil or substrate. Ensure the product contents remain dry and are not moved from the introduction site for a few days.
PRO TIPS
-
HANGING BOXES
Use NaturesGoodGuys Hanging Boxes to introduce your predators without making a mess! Hanging boxes help you concentrate predators on infested areas and help to keep your product dry.
- STICKY TRAPS
Remove any yellow sticky traps for the first few days after introduction.
-
Mummies can be observed on leaves of the crop 10-14 days after the first application.
- Aphelinus abdominalis produces black mummies, where others such as Aphidius colemani and Aphidius ervi produce golden/brown mummies.
-
A perfectly round hole at the back of the mummy indicates that an adult parasitoid has emerged.
-
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 39-46°F for no longer than 48 hours. Store out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
DISCLAIMER / SHIPPING POLICY
STORE POLICIES
Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing an order, please review our policies on Shipping & Processing, Live Delivery Guarantee, and Returns/Replacements. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.
We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Any product purchased is intended for home use only and not for commercial use.
At NaturesGoodGuys, we are committed to delivering healthy, high-quality beneficial insects to support your gardening success. If your insects arrive non-viable, contact us within 48 hours of delivery at info@naturesgoodguys.com with your order number and a detailed description of the issue. Photos of the insects and packaging may be required. Our team will assess the situation and work toward a suitable resolution.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- The "Live Delivery Guarantee" applies only to the condition of the insects upon delivery and does not cover loss due to incorrect storage or later perish-ability.
- We evaluate eligibility on a a case-by-case basis, considering factors like species, hatching times, and temperature conditions.
- Replacements are processed and shipped on Wednesdays & Thursdays only.
UPON DELIVERY
- Open your package immediately and check for storage instructions. Some insects require refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
- Ice packs are not expected to remain frozen upon arrival—they are only used to help regulate temperature and moisture during transit.
- Some insects may appear inactive at first. Allow time for them to adjust before assessing viability. Many species require magnification to be seen clearly.
SHIPPING CONSIDERATIONS
- Some species or quantities have limited shipping options to ensure short transit times for viability.
- If you are concerned about insect health during transit, we recommend selecting overnight shipping to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
We do our best to keep all products in stock, but nature doesn’t always follow our schedule! Because we work with the natural reproductive cycles of living organisms, occasional delays may occur.
Some insects are harvested on specific days, and at times, a harvest may be delayed. If this happens, we will ship your order as soon as possible and notify you via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
SEASONAL & WEATHER DELAYS
Extreme weather and seasonal conditions can impact shipping times and the viability of live insects. To ensure the best possible arrival, we may delay shipments during severe heat waves, cold spells, or other extreme conditions. If your order is affected, we will hold it temporarily and ship when conditions improve. You will be notified via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
Due to our high order volume, any changes or cancellations must be requested within 30 minutes of placing your order. If your order has already entered production, we will do our best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee modifications or cancellations at that stage.
RETURNS & REPLACEMENTS
If you receive an item that is damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us immediately upon receiving your shipment so we can resolve the issue. Replacements may be issued if the order qualifies under our Live Delivery Guarantee. Eligibility is determined by our customer support team.
WHEN REPLACEMENTS ARE NOT COVERED
While we are happy to replace damaged, lost, or incorrect packages, we cannot replace orders in the following situations:
INCORRECT SHIPPING INFORMATION
- If an incorrect address was entered at checkout, we cannot replace the order.
- If you notice an address error before your order has been processed, contact us immediately so we can attempt to correct it.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW STORAGE & USE INSTRUCTIONS
- Each order includes detailed instructions on proper storage and use, which are also available on our website.
- Failure to follow these instructions, or using a product incorrectly, may result in unsatisfactory results.
- Our customer service team will assess whether proper handling steps were followed before considering a claim.
DELAYED PACKAGE RETRIEVAL
- If a package is left outside, in a mailbox, or returned to the post office due to the recipient being unavailable at delivery, this can stress or kill live insects.
- We do not replace orders that perish due to delayed retrieval.
- Tracking information is provided for all shipments—please ensure you are available to receive your order.