Aphytis melinus - Scale Control

$25.35

1 review
SKU:
Minus Plus
TARGET PESTS

Scientific Names: Aphytis melinus

California Red Scale, Ivy Scale, Oleander Scale, San Jose Scale, Walnut Scale, Dictyospermum Scale, & various other scale species.


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

SHIPPED FRESH & QUALITY GUARANTEED

Scale control. 1-2mm actual size.

Aphytis melinus is a specialized parasitoid renowned for its role as a natural predator targeting specific scale insects, notably the red scale (Aonidiella aurantii). Adult Aphytis melinus have a slender body ranging from light-yellow to yellowish-brown, approximately 1mm in length, with elongated antennae and transparent wings with distinctive veins. Ideally suited for controlling scale insect populations, especially in warm, humid environments like greenhouses, Aphytis melinus females lay up to 100 eggs during their lifespan, depositing them beneath the protective waxy coating of scale insects.

After an incubation period of approximately 4-7 days, the eggs hatch into larvae that actively consume the host while undergoing development over the subsequent 10-14 days. Upon reaching maturity, the larvae pupate within the remnants of the scale insect for 7-10 days. Emerging as adults from the pupal casing, they promptly seek out new hosts to perpetuate the life cycle.

If you are unsure of which species of Scale Insects are infesting your plants, use Aphytis melinus in conjunction with Lindorus Lophanthae. Lindorus controls all life stages of a variety of Scale Insects.

CROPS

CROPS
Citrus
Olives
Passion Fruit

USAGES
Greenhouses
Interiorscapes
Field Crops
Gardens

INTRODUCTION RATES

1 insect per sq. ft., weekly when scale is active.
Temperature Range: 50-95°F

It's important to note that these introduction rates serve as general guidelines and can differ depending on the specific pest species, the plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.
APPLICATION

Introduce in the morning, evening, or when temperatures are cooler. Gently tap the lid to dislodge parasitoids from the lid/rim of the container and onto the foliage. Place container into the tree for full introduction.

STORAGE

For best results, introduce immediately upon receipt. Do not store adults.

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.

LIVE DELIVERY GUARANTEE

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.
SHIPPING & PROCESSING
PROCESSING TIME
Orders placed by 12 PM PT may be eligible for same-day processing when possible. However, please allow 1-3 business days for processing, as product availability may vary. While we strive to process orders as quickly as possible, same-day processing is not guaranteed.
We do not ship to PO BOX addresses.
OVERNIGHT ORDERS
Ship Monday - Thursday (excluding holidays).
SECOND-DAY ORDERS
Ship Monday - Wednesday (Thursday only if Saturday delivery is available).
USPS ORDERS
Ship Monday - Friday.
SHIPPING OPTIONS
At checkout, you can select from a variety of shipping methods, including Overnight and Second-Day Shipping. However, choosing an expedited shipping method does not guarantee same-day shipment—transit time begins once your order has been processed and in the hands of the mail carrier. Some insects require Overnight shipping due to their viability timeline.
HARVEST DELAYS

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.
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