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Aphid Parasites (Colemani)-Aphid Controls-ladybirdplantcare.co.uk
Aphid Parasites (Colemani)-Aphid Controls-ladybirdplantcare.co.uk

Aphid Parasites (Colemani)

Regular price
£25.00
Sale price
£25.00
Quantity must be 1 or more

This is our most effective control for aphids in enclosed spaces and greenhouses and is favoured by commercial growers.

Aphidius are the most popular, and least expensive way of controlling common aphids, which is why they are the first choice for the commercial grower. Aphidius colemani tend to tackle the smaller aphids such as Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii - for larger aphids there are Aphidius ervi. 

Sold in tubes of 500.  Orders placed by 10am Monday will be despatched later in the week.

Further information
How much do I need?
When to use
How to use

Aphidius are tiny insects which lay their eggs inside aphids, the aphid is then paralysed and the new aphidius hatches from the body leaving behind a dead aphid “mummy”. The insects are supplied ready to hatch out in their “mummy” form. You will probably not be able to see the mummies without a glass or microscope, but if it is warm enough you will see some adult aphidius flying out of the tube when you open it. They look like very small flying ants, about 2-4mm long. 

The tube will contain the mummies, some inert carrier for protection and possibly a few ready hatched flying adults.

1 predator per 2 square metres per week. Increase to 5 predators per square metre if small aphid colonies are present.

Use at the very first signs of aphids being present or as a preventative measure on aphid prove plants. Work better above 15°C.

Do not open the bottle until you are near the plants as hatched adults may fly out!  Open the bottle and gently sprinkle the husks on the plants to be protected and then leave the tube on the soil so that any remaining aphidius can fly away.

It does not matter if the husks fall off the leaves onto the soil or bench. However, try to avoid sprinkling onto an area which may get disturbed by cultivation or watering. Alternatively, if you are treating a very small area, you can just lay the tube on its side with the top open and let the insects fly out themselves when hatched.

If you can’t put the Aphidius out straight away you need to keep them cool to stop them all from hatching out and dying through lack of food. The recommended storage temperature is 5-10c. Store the tube in the dark on its side. The quicker you release them the more success you will have so don’t store for more than a day or two if possible.

Aphidius are most effective when temperatures are constantly above 15°C