Whitefly Parasites - Free Shipping

Whitefly Parasites (Encarsia formosa) are the most cost effective biological control agent to control greenhouse whiteflies. This parasitic wasp is attracted to its host by the actual smell of the honeydew produced by the pest, detecting this from several feet distance. Adult parasites will feed on this honeydew but also on pest body fluids through a hole made in the whitefly larvae. Egg laying for this aggressive beneficial insect can take place in all four whitefly larval instars and the pupae, but Encarsia prefer the 3rd and 4th instars. The female whitefly parasite lays an average of 50 - 100 eggs. Most parasitization will occur at humidities of 50% - 80% and a high light intensity. A major factor affecting efficiency is temperature. At temperatures below 62 F the parasitic wasp will not fly and consequently will not seek out new hosts. When half of the development of the beneficial is completed, the whitefly host turns black and the tiny Encarsia finally emerges through a hole in the dorsum of the "black scale."

Depending on the amount of infestation, the following general release rates have been established: 2-4 parasites per square foot of infested area 1-2 per plant after the presence of whitefly is noticed.

These beneficial insects are shipped similar to trichogramma; that is, as mature pupae in host eggs, glued to a paper card and almost ready to hatch out as adult parasitic wasps. If there is a high density of whiteflies consider using a natural insecticide or insecticidal soap first. Release parasites about 2-3 weeks later. The use of yellow sticky traps along with the parasites can be a helpful tool to control whitefly adults.

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Beneficial Insect orders received through Wednesday AM will be shipped the following Monday or Tuesday. If multiple shipments or a later ship date is required please specify on the shipping page of the check out process.

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Planet Natural guarantees live, timely delivery of our beneficial insects. Instructions are provided with each order.