Delphastus catalinae (=D. pusillus) is a predatory beetle targeting GHWF, banded-winged, sweet potato, silverleaf, woolly, azalea, hibiscus, cloudywinged, citrus and rhododendron whiteflies, and citrus blackfly. Optimum conditions are temperatures of 61°-90° F. Delphastus does not fly at temperatures below 55° F. Delphastus controls whitefly in commercial vegetable and flower greenhouses and semitropical or tropical plantings. Delphastus is useful for high-density whitefly populations, while parasites (Encarsia and Eretmocerus), do better at lower densities. Delphastus avoids feeding on parasitized whiteflies and may be used as an inoculant or in combination with other biological controls at high whitefly densities. Delphastus does not survive in the absence of prey, therefore should be released only after whiteflies are detected. Delphastus does not diapause and will survive mild winters and medium frosts. Prolonged temperatures below freezing will kill them. Low light levels and low temperatures slow down their reproductive rate, but they will still grow. Both adults and larvae feed on whitefly eggs and immature stages. If food is scarce, they will also feed on other small arthropods, such as spider mite and aphid, and will even cannibalize its own species. 1-2 per 100 sq ft, one release for inoculation.

Shipped Wednesday, order by previous Friday

Encarsia formosa is a parasitic wasp that targets greenhouse whitefly (GHWF) and, to a limited extent, Bemesia tabaci and possibly other whitefly. Targets 2nd instar of GHWF (scale on underside of leaf). Parasitized scale turn black. Double Encarsia release rates to control Bemesia. Adult Encarsia will also feed on whitefly honeydew and kill whitefly scale through host feeding. Excessive honeydew hampers activity of the parasite, so avoid high whitefly populations. Bring populations down with a soft pesticide, such as Mycotrol O or soap and oil, then release biocontrols. Encarsia are good flyers and will seek out prey, but tend to remain in regions where whitefly are concentrated. Even distribution is important in greenhouses. No diapause but inactive < 54° F. Proactive weekly releases for 8 to 10 weeks recommended for susceptible crops such as poinsettia. Optimal conditions are > 64° F and > 60% RH with bright light. Sold as 1,000 parasitized scale glued on a perforated card (strip) with hooks. Each strip can be separated into 10 tabs with 100 wasps each.

Shipped Wednesday, order by previous Friday.

Eretmocerous californicus (= E. eremicus) is a parasitic wasp targeting Bemesia tabaci, silverleaf, woolly, citrus, bayberry, and to a lesser extent, GHWF. Eretmocerus should be introduced as soon the first whiteflies are observed or as a preventive. Minimum effective temperatures: 50° F night and 65° F day. Useful at higher temperatures with optimal conditions > 75° F. Female adult wasps parasitize the 2nd and 3rd instar larval stages of the whitefly (on underside of leaf) and also host feed. Parasitized whitefly scale will turn yellow, rather than black. Supplied as loose parasitized whitefly scale in a bran carrier.

0.5-20 wasps per 10 sq ft.

Shipped Tuesday, order by previous Wednesday.

Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite that feeds on various thrips species’ larvae and eggs, the larvae of whitefly (GHWF and Bemisia tabaci) and spider mites. Swirskii is tolerant of high temperatures and requires >70° F day temps for development. It does not diapause and can be used year round. Is advantageous on crops with 2nd and 3rd cultivation cycles, i.e., where infestations of whitefly and thrips may already be established from the start of the cultivation cycle. Avoid where aphid control depends on Aphidoletes: the two are not compatible. Packed in shaker bottles with corn grit. Apply Swirskii preventively on low prey populations only if pollen is also available as food source.  2 per sq ft proactively,  5 per sq ft if thrips or whitefly present OR 10 per sq ft on hot spots in combination with other beneficials

*Requires >70° for development      

 *Good for crops w/ 2nd & 3rd cultivation cycles  

*Does not diapause                  

*Can use pollen as food source          

*Avoids webbing &  hot spots    

Eats Aphidoletes and Persimilis eggs

Shipped Monday or Tuesday, order by previous Wednesday.