Orius laevigatus

What pest can I use Orius laevigatus to control? 

Both adults and nymphs can be used for the biological control of thrips, both as a preventative measure or to control existing infestations.  They will also feed on other foliar pests such as aphids, whitefly and moth eggs.  In the absence of prey, O.laevigatus will survive on pollen.  They are particularly useful for controlling thrips in greenhouses on soft fruit and vegetables. 

Thrip damage is usually indicted by a mottled appearance of the leaves, without webbing on the underside of leaves. 

 How is the product supplied? 

 Adults are supplied in buckwheat husks in sustainable cardboard/paper packaging. 

 How do I apply the product? 

 Adults can be applied directly to the plant, exactly where needed, by sprinkling the buckwheat carrier over the plant.  

 How many pots will I need? 

 Orius bugs will survive on pollen and so can be applied during flowering as a preventative measure in anticipation of pest problems.  They can also be used to treat hot spots of infestation with a higher application rate.
– One pot holding 100 nymphs can be used per specimen plant.
– 500 adults can be used to treat medium severity infestations over an area of up to 10m2, or during flowering as a preventative measure over 50m².
– 2000 adults can be used to treat medium severity infestations over an area of up to 40m2, or during flowering as a preventative measure over 200m².  
Application should be increased for higher infestation levels. 

 Does the product have a shelf life?  

It is advised to apply the product immediately upon receipt.  Although the pot could have a shelf life of 2-3 days upon receipt if maintained at ambient temperatures and application is not possible. 

 How quickly can the product be delivered?  

We are a UK company and produce our own biologicals and so we are able to dispatch organisms the next day with DHL. Please ensure that delivery can be made at the designated address or advise of a safe place for delivery as the quality of the live product may be affected if delivery is delayed. Please note we are unable to supply biological control to the EU