Aphytis melinus - Scale Control
LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEED
TARGET PESTS:
California red scale, Aonidiella auranti, on citrus, roses and ornamentals.
Ivy or oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii, on a wide range of hosts including cycads and palms, San Jose scale, Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, Walnut scale, Q. juglanregiae, Dyctyospermum scale, Chrysomphalus dictyospermi, on a wide range of hosts.
ABOUT APHYTIS MELINUS:
Aphytis melinus is a small, light yellow parasitic wasp measuring around 1mm in size. This wasp targets various types of armored scale insects. It lays its eggs beneath the protective waxy coverings created by the scales. The larvae of the parasite develop under these scale coverings.
For effective control, female Aphytis melinus should be introduced during their second and third developmental stages, while they are still virgin females. On the other hand, male Aphytis melinus should be introduced during the second developmental stage and pre-pupae stage. These stages are crucial because the scales are not yet firmly attached to the host plant, allowing the parasites to access them.
In some cases, adult Aphytis melinus can also kill the scales by feeding on them. Once the scales are parasitized, they appear dried out and may exhibit dark spots when examined closely.
INTRODUCTION RATES:
LIGHT INFESTATION:
1-3 insects per sq. ft., monthly as needed
HEAVY INFESTATION:
3-6 wasps per sq. ft., bi-weekly as needed
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.
LIFESPAN:
At 80°F, Aphytis takes 13-18 days to develop from egg to adult. Adult lifespan is up to 25 days depending on environmental conditions and availability of resources. Females deposit 6-8 eggs per day.
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
Scale control. 1-2mm actual size.
CROPS
CROPS
Citrus
Olives
Passion Fruit
USAGES
Greenhouses
Interiorscapes
Field Crops
Gardens
INTRODUCTION RATES
1 insect per sq. ft., weekly when scale is active.
Temperature Range: 50-95°F
APPLICATION
Introduce in the morning, evening, or when temperatures are cooler. Gently tap the lid to dislodge parasitoids from the lid/rim of the container and onto the foliage. Place container into the tree for full introduction.
STORAGE
For best results, introduce immediately upon receipt. Do not store adults.
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.