Beneficial Insects-- Success, I Think

[Ashby Chadburn]

So far I have good news to report. A few weeks ago I reported a huge infestation of mealy bugs. I had been using SucraShield and Neem oil to protect a family of frogs living in my greenhouse. I was not getting the upper hand. Thanks to Ray and Camille on this site I ordered 250-300 Cryptolaemus montrouzieri. They are small beetles that look like small ladybugs. I put them in my greenhouse on infected plants Sept. 27. They have mated, layed eggs, and I now have big mealy bug eating larvae. I am told to give them two to four months to see the good results. I am encouraged. Thanks to Orchid Board friends for their great suggestions. I will keep you posted.

[Bud]

Also the mantis is a good insect to put in your GH...they will clean all your plants

[tucker85]

Very interesting. There are companies that sell a whole range of beneficial insects, bacteria and fungus. I often wondered how well they work. Keep us up to date on how it goes.

[camille1585]

That's great news!! I'm glad that they are working for you, it's so much better than having to spray.

Originally Posted by tucker85

Very interesting. There are companies that sell a whole range of beneficial insects, bacteria and fungus. I often wondered how well they work. Keep us up to date on how it goes.

They work really really well, there is no question about that in the scientific world, and also among commercial greenhouse growers. The lab where I work has done a huge about of research on how beneficial insects (mostly parasitoid wasps, and a handful of predators) locate their hosts, and the effect they have on the host's population dynamics. My own research is partially on that as well.

[Ashby Chadburn]

Thanks for your suggestion Camille. I may introduce a few hundred more Cryptolaemus in the Spring when conditions are ideal.