Pirate Bug
Both adults and nymphs of this predatory bug devour large amounts of thrips, spider mites, aphids and their eggs.
Minute Pirate Bugs
Available Here
Both the nymph and adult stages of the pirate bug (Orius insidiosus) are insatiable consumers of soft bodied insects including aphids, spider mites, thrips, caterpillars and their eggs. Adult predators will consume over 30 spider mites in a day. Both stages accomplish this with a long proboscis or beak that pierces the victim and allows the bug to suck its prey dry.
Shop our large selection of biological controls, including pirate bugs, at Planet Natural. One bottle — 1,000 predatory bugs — treats up to 20,000 square feet and costs $169.95 with UPS Express shipping included!
Immature pirate bugs are tiny, wingless and tear-dropped shaped, often brown and yellow-orange. The adults are also small, ranging from 1/12 to 1/5 of an inch long. Their eggs are deposited underneath plant tissue where they go undetected. The pirate bug’s metamorphosis, from egg to adult, takes place in less than three weeks, and two or three generations can hatch during a season. They are commonly found living on corn, soybeans, tomatoes and grain crops as well as on flowers and in landscapes. They can be attracted with vetch, sweet clover, alfalfa and daisies.
HOW TO RELEASE:
- Gently turn and shake the bottle to mix the contents.
- Spread the material evenly over plant leaves or clean rockwool slabs.
- Place in groups of 75-100 predators to encourage reproduction.
Note: Adults are 2-3 mm long, black with white to brown diamond patterns on their wings.
Eric is now retired, but is still a renowned gardener known for his expertise in composting, organic gardening and pest control, utilizing pesticide-free options, such as beneficial insects.
Eric believes when you do something good for the environment, the effects will benefit generations to come.
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