{"product_id":"bugs-for-bugs-aphidius-colemani","title":"Bugs for Bugs Aphidius colemani","description":"\u003cp\u003eBugs for Bugs Aphidius colemani brings a searching natural enemy into crops affected by green peach aphid and cotton aphid. These small parasitoid wasps are especially useful when aphids are only beginning to appear, because the females can find scattered colonies before a heavy infestation develops. They can be introduced preventatively or at the first signs of activity in greenhouse and open-field crops that host susceptible aphids, including vegetables, fruit crops, ornamentals and nursery plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA female locates aphids using the scent of infested plants and their honeydew, then places an egg inside a suitable host. The developing wasp feeds within the aphid, eventually killing it and leaving a swollen bronze or gold 'mummy'. An adult wasp later emerges from this mummy and continues the cycle. Both adult and juvenile aphids can be parasitised. This makes Aphidius a different tool from a predator that simply eats the aphids it encounters: a successful introduction can produce further generations within the crop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood establishment depends on the environment around the plants. Well-developed foliage, regular irrigation and protection from dust give these tiny wasps a better start. Ant activity also deserves attention, as ants defending aphid colonies can interfere with the wasps. Regular crop inspections and sticky traps help track the pest population while the parasitoids establish. Adult wasps can be difficult to see, so the appearance of aphid mummies is a more practical sign to look for.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pack contains pupae, with adults beginning to emerge during transit or soon after arrival. Release is timed to that emergence, rather than to a fixed storage period. For dense aphid hotspots, lacewings or spotted ladybirds can complement the early, preventative role of Aphidius. Check the crop's pesticide history before introducing any of these beneficials, because harmful residues can persist after a spray has dried.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNOTE:\u003c\/strong\u003e These are living insects with a short shelf life, so we don't hold them in store. Your order ships fresh, direct from the breeder.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSpecies image credits: Aphidius colemani - Laura Sorrensen \/ PxHere, CC0 1.0. Source: https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/1453109. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Aphidius_colemani_by_Laura_Sorrensen_at_Pxhere_1453109.jpg\"\u003esource\u003c\/a\u003e; \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/publicdomain\/zero\/1.0\/\"\u003eCC0 1.0\u003c\/a\u003e. Cropped to square and resized.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bugs for Bugs","offers":[{"title":"500 Wasp Pupae","offer_id":67640389959838,"sku":"PLACEHOLDER355213213227","price":39.99,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0709\/5261\/6094\/files\/Bugs_for_Bugs_Aphidius_colemani_-_Pack_-_01.png?v=1793442016","url":"https:\/\/www.hydrooasis.com.au\/products\/bugs-for-bugs-aphidius-colemani","provider":"Hydro Oasis","version":"1.0","type":"link"}