Aphidoletes aphidimyza | Aphid Control
Target Pests
Potato, pea, peach, melon, black bean, rose, lettuce aphids, and 60+ other aphid species.
Product Description
These native predatory midges arrive as pupae and hatch into adults that lay eggs near aphid colonies. Their larvae do the real work, feeding voraciously on aphids of nearly any kind. Release early to give the larvae time to establish.
Important: Requires 12+ hours of daylight to remain active, so it won't work indoors or during short-day seasons unless there is supplemental lighting. Can be used in hydroponics, but won't establish a self-sustaining population since it needs soil to pupate in.
Introduction Rates
Release 1 insect per 3 sq. ft. (or 1,000–4,000 per acre for field crops), weekly, 2–3 times
Temperature range: 50–88°F
Rates are general guidelines. Actual needs vary by pest species, plant, and infestation level. Monitor both pests and released insects to gauge success.
Application
Gently release any already-hatched adults onto plants. Distribute the contents of the container in small piles on moist soil near aphid activity. Leave the container open on its side so stragglers can emerge. Allow the contents to remain dry.
Pro Tips
- Control ant populations first. Ants protect aphids from predators to farm their honeydew, undermining your release.
- Remove yellow sticky cards for the first few days (blue cards are fine to keep out).
- Green Lacewings and Amblyseius swirskii can prey on Aphidoletes eggs/larvae.
- For best long-term results, release in late summer to knock down overwintering aphids and seed a population that's active again by spring.
- Hatching begins within 5 days. Release adults right away once they emerge.