Cryptolaemus montrouzieri - Mealybug Control
TARGET PESTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SHIPPED FRESH & QUALITY GUARANTEED
Mealybug destroyer. Attracted to and often lay eggs on the mealybugs' waxy secretions and egg cases.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a member of the Coccinellid Beetle family, commonly known as ladybugs, and recognized by their distinctive round, dome shape. These Mealybug Destroyers have a dark brown body with orange head and tail, and are about 4mm in size. Both the adults and larvae target Mealybugs at all life stages. Eggs are laid near colonies of mealybugs and hatch within 5-7 days. The young larvae emerge as small, white, and fuzzy - resembling mealybugs. After 14-20 days and undergoing several molts, the larvae enter the pupal stage and emerge as adults with a lifespan of 4-6 weeks. Both adult beetles and larvae continue to feed on mealybugs until temperatures become unfavorable. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri cannot endure sub-freezing temperatures, and it’s necessary to reintroduce them after low or freezing temperatures.
CROPS
CROPS
Strawberries
Blueberries
Cucumbers
Eggplants
Roses
Sweet Peppers
Ornamentals
Table Grapes
Vineyards
Tomatoes
Citrus
USAGES
Greenhouses
Field Crops
Gardens
INTRODUCTION RATES
Light infestation: 1-2 beetles per sq. ft., as needed.
Heavy infestation: 2-4 beetles per sq. ft.
Temperature Range: 60-95°F
APPLICATION
Introduce in the morning, evening, or when temperatures are cooler.
Disperse beetles onto infested plants. Leave open container in place for 24 hours to allow any remaining beetles to be introduced.
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.
- 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.
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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 50-56°F for no longer than 18 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.