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  • When should I release lacewing eggs?

    Created by Candice on July 30, 2018 at 9:26 am

    Hi, I’m considering using lacewings to take care of a few pests I have in my indoor houseplant situation. I’ve never done this before and before I purchase, I’d like to ask 2 questions to see if it’s the best solution for me.

    1) I don’t have too many plants, of which I don’t have too many pests at the moment. If I were to spread half of the eggs on the infested plant(s), and then the other half 2 weeks later, I’m not sure there’s enough food (pests) for them. Is this normal?

    2) Once lacewings become mature and flying, what happens afterwards? Meaning, do they continue to fly around your house, or do they die off or lay eggs and stay put in the plant?

    I appreciate the time you take to help me out! Thank you!

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  • August 5, 2018 at 8:54 am #285970

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hi Candice –

    Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla rufilabris) from Planet Natural feed on a large number of soft bodied pests, mites and insect eggs. A voracious predator, they can consume as many as 60 aphids an hour.

    Newly hatched lacewing larvae are about 1/8″ long, gray-green in color, and live on the undersides of plant leaves. Because they are so difficult to find after they hatch, we recommend placing the container/ vial on top of your refrigerator, or some place consistently warm, to speed their hatch. Check them every day and as soon as you see movement release them. Keep in mind, that lacewing larvae are very cannibalistic, so you do not want to wait after you see movement.

    When releasing lacewing eggs proper timing is important. Lacewing should be released when some food is available. Beneficial insect releases made over a period of time will allow the predator population to increase. A second release, two weeks later, may be necessary.

    How to Apply

    1.) Place an ample amount of insect predators as close as possible to the infested area.
    2.) Always take extra precautions when receiving the insects and maintain a good environment before they are released into your garden.
    3.) Rate of application is very important. Make sure you are releasing enough predators for the job.
    4.) Do NOT wait until it’s too late. You can save money, time, and, plants by properly timing your releases.

    Lacewing will continue to reproduce as long as a food source is available. They will move on or die-off if a food source is not available.

    Note: Most growers experienced with using beneficial insects prefer lacewing to ladybugs as they tend to stick around longer — they do not fly off!

    Hope it helps!

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