Encarsia formosa - Whitefly Control
TARGET PESTS
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
SHIPPED FRESH & QUALITY GUARANTEED
Controls whitefly nymphs and pupae. For maximum control, use in conjunction with Eretmocerus eremicus.
Encarsia formosa are tiny parasitoids that despite their relatively short lifespan and very small size, are specifically employed for the biological control of whiteflies. With a black body, clear wings, and measuring a mere 0.5-1mm, Encarsia formosa are hard to see without magnification. Interestingly, these natural predators parasitize whitefly nymphs and pupae rather than eggs, and their predatory companion, Delphastus catalinae, will not feed on whitefly nymphs that have been parasitized by Encarsia formosa. Females can individually lay up to 100 eggs within a 1-2 week lifespan by injecting them inside whitefly nymphs or pupae. In about 3-5 days, the eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host through larval development for approximately 7-10 days. When fully developed, the larvae pupate inside the host for about 5-7 days and emerge as adults.
CROPS
CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruits
Ornamental Crops
Hemp
USAGES
Greenhouses
Indoor Facilities
Field and Row Crops
Interiorscapes
Gardens
INTRODUCTION RATES
1 insect per sq. ft. or 1-5 insects per infested plant, 1-2 weeks, at least 5 times.
Temperature Range: 63-95°F
APPLICATION
Introduce in the morning or evening. Activity peaks at temperatures over 68°F and humidity of 50-70%.
Hang cards on lower leaves, out of direct sunlight. Avoid getting wet. Leave cards in place for at least 21 days to ensure emergence.
PRO TIPS
- Yellow sticky traps can catch Encarsia. We recommend removing sticky traps at time of release.
- Encarsia can target different whitefly species but will parasitize 2nd and 4th instars of the whitefly nymph. It needs whitefly nymphs to complete its lifecycle.
- Parasitized whitefly nymphs can take 10-14 days to begin appearing. Whitefly nymphs will begin turning a black hue if parasitized by Encarsia.
- To achieve a comprehensive approach to controlling whiteflies, it is recommended to combine the use of Encarsia formosa with other beneficial predators such as Delphastus catalinae and Eretmocerus eremicus.
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Pesticides, even-wetting agents, and spreader-stickers may adversely affect beneficial insect survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic.
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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 45-55°F for no longer than 24 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.