Aphidoletes aphidimyza - Aphid Control
TARGET PESTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SHIPPED FRESH & QUALITY GUARANTEED
Aphidoletes aphidimyza controls over 60 aphid species. Release early to give time for the larval stage to develop. May diapause.
A. aphidimyza are indigenous predators that prey on over 60 species of aphids. Male A. aphidimyza have long, hair-covered antennae, while females possess shorter, thicker antennae. To initiate mating, females fly to spider webs, where they wait for a male partner. To enhance the likelihood of successful mating, leave existing spider webs or use stretched cotton balls to simulate them. Within 2-3 days, the eggs hatch into orange, legless maggots, each measuring up to 3mm, and with a voracious appetite for 7-14 days. Following this feeding phase, the larvae pupate within a cocoon, eventually emerging as adults to initiate the reproductive cycle anew. A. aphidimyza are typically shipped in the pupal (cocoon) stage, nestled in moist vermiculite or sand.
CROPS
CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruit Crops
Hemp
Ornamental Crops
Tree Nurseries
USAGES
Greenhouses
Field Crops
Gardens
These predators cannot be used when the day length is below 12 hours or any time of the year indoors. They can be used in hydroponic systems, but don’t expect any establishment (multiple generations) since they pupate in the soil.
INTRODUCTION RATES
1 insect per 3 sq. ft., weekly, 2-3 times
1,000-4,000 insects per acre, weekly, 1-3 times.
Temperature Range: 50-88°F
APPLICATION
Most of the Aphidoletes will still be in their pupal stage when delivered. Gently disperse any emerged adults onto infested plants. Place remaining pupae in small piles onto moist soil near aphid infestations. Leave open container on it's side, in place for 72 hours to allow any remaining insects to be introduced.
PRO TIPS
- Yellow sticky cards should be removed for the first few days after the release of the midges. Blue sticky cards are acceptable to keep the entire time but avoid releasing them right next to them.
- Releasing Aphidoletes during late summer in the presence of aphids can effectively decrease the population of aphids that overwinter. It also helps establish a predator population that remains active during the early spring of the following year.
- If ants are present, be sure that they are controlled before releasing Aphidoletes or aphid parasitoids. Aphids produce honeydew that the ants feed on and will protect them from predators or parasitoids.
- Do not introduce in combination with Green Lacewings or Amblyseius swirskii since the lacewing larvae will eat the Aphidoletes larvae, and A. swirskii may eat the midge eggs.
-
Aphidoletes respond to cool temperatures by entering diapause, therefore in most greenhouses they are only active from mid-March to September unless supplemental lighting is used.
-
Using 10x-15x magnification, full grown larvae are relatively easy to see among aphids because of their characteristic color. Younger larvae are pale and smaller, and are much more difficult to see.
- Depending on the size and type of plants, the number and type of pests, other predator and parasite populations, and temperature, the frequency of releases may be affected.
STORAGE
For best results, introduce immediately upon receipt. If storage is necessary, store at 40-50°F for no longer than 48 hours. Store out of direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
DISCLAIMER
STORE POLICIES
Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing an order, please review our policies on Shipping & Processing, Live Delivery Guarantee, and Returns/Replacements. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.
We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Any product purchased is intended for home use only and not for commercial use.
At NaturesGoodGuys, we are committed to delivering healthy, high-quality beneficial insects to support your gardening success. If your insects arrive non-viable, contact us within 48 hours of delivery at info@naturesgoodguys.com with your order number and a detailed description of the issue. Photos of the insects and packaging may be required. Our team will assess the situation and work toward a suitable resolution.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- The "Live Delivery Guarantee" applies only to the condition of the insects upon delivery and does not cover loss due to incorrect storage or later perish-ability.
- We evaluate eligibility on a a case-by-case basis, considering factors like species, hatching times, and temperature conditions.
- Replacements are processed and shipped on Wednesdays & Thursdays only.
UPON DELIVERY
- Open your package immediately and check for storage instructions. Some insects require refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
- Ice packs are not expected to remain frozen upon arrival—they are only used to help regulate temperature and moisture during transit.
- Some insects may appear inactive at first. Allow time for them to adjust before assessing viability. Many species require magnification to be seen clearly.
SHIPPING CONSIDERATIONS
- Some species or quantities have limited shipping options to ensure short transit times for viability.
- If you are concerned about insect health during transit, we recommend selecting overnight shipping to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
We do our best to keep all products in stock, but nature doesn’t always follow our schedule! Because we work with the natural reproductive cycles of living organisms, occasional delays may occur.
Some insects are harvested on specific days, and at times, a harvest may be delayed. If this happens, we will ship your order as soon as possible and notify you via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
SEASONAL & WEATHER DELAYS
Extreme weather and seasonal conditions can impact shipping times and the viability of live insects. To ensure the best possible arrival, we may delay shipments during severe heat waves, cold spells, or other extreme conditions. If your order is affected, we will hold it temporarily and ship when conditions improve. You will be notified via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
Due to our high order volume, any changes or cancellations must be requested within 30 minutes of placing your order. If your order has already entered production, we will do our best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee modifications or cancellations at that stage.
RETURNS & REPLACEMENTS
If you receive an item that is damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us immediately upon receiving your shipment so we can resolve the issue. Replacements may be issued if the order qualifies under our Live Delivery Guarantee. Eligibility is determined by our customer support team.
WHEN REPLACEMENTS ARE NOT COVERED
While we are happy to replace damaged, lost, or incorrect packages, we cannot replace orders in the following situations:
INCORRECT SHIPPING INFORMATION
- If an incorrect address was entered at checkout, we cannot replace the order.
- If you notice an address error before your order has been processed, contact us immediately so we can attempt to correct it.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW STORAGE & USE INSTRUCTIONS
- Each order includes detailed instructions on proper storage and use, which are also available on our website.
- Failure to follow these instructions, or using a product incorrectly, may result in unsatisfactory results.
- Our customer service team will assess whether proper handling steps were followed before considering a claim.
DELAYED PACKAGE RETRIEVAL
- If a package is left outside, in a mailbox, or returned to the post office due to the recipient being unavailable at delivery, this can stress or kill live insects.
- We do not replace orders that perish due to delayed retrieval.
- Tracking information is provided for all shipments—please ensure you are available to receive your order.