APHIDOLETES
Another name is Aphid Predatory Midge. The aphidoletes are small fly-like midges which are immeasurably small two-winged mosquito-like fly lacking biting mouthparts; appear in dancing swarms especially near water that are only active at night. The larvae, which are maggot-like and approximately 3mm (three thousandth of a yard) long when fully grown, are the ones most often seen. The flying midges search out 60 species of aphid colonies by the odor and once a colony has been found they lay their eggs alongside it. The little orange larvae appear from their eggs in 2 to 3 days and feed on aphids, forever killing more than they can eat if aphid aggregations are high. These beneficial insects can be bought now, usually through the internet, and shipped to you. They are normally used when a heavy infestation of aphids are present or in infected greenhouses. They are usually shipped as pupae in vermiculite, which by the way should be carefully disposed of because of its association with cancer. Once the temperature reaches approximately 68-77F (21 to 25C) they can be released to the plants or trees where needed.
The release rate is recommended at every 7 to 10 days and 2-3 times till established. With fruit trees in orchards use 5-10,000
for 1-4,000 acres twice 2 weeks apart. 250 aphidoletes is enough to handle an field of approximately 5.5 square yards of soaring aphid infestation. Commercial growers use them, normally in blend with Aphidius, to check aphids in greenhouses.
Adults eat the aphid honeydew and are active at dusk and during the night. Throughout the day they relax hanging in webs in dark corners. The shiny orange-red eggs are laid amid or near to the aphid colonies. Females will produce up to 100 eggs in their lifespan, which is about 7 days. In commercialized rose gardens, a heavy water spray or insecticidal soap spray prior to insertion of aphidoletes is suggested if aphid populations are high and harm is completely obvious. They are placed into the greehouse in blister packs that are hung on the infected plants. The adults appear, they mate and lay their eggs nearby the aphids. The eggs hatch and the larvae begin to feed on the aphids. Every larvae will consume up to 100 aphids before developing. The adult is highly effective in seeking out aphids and only lay eggs on affected plants. The amount of eggs laid will be contingent upon on the number of aphids, that is, more aphids brings more eggs. It is more efficient when there are aphid colonies on a couple plants Keep in mind! Biological controls are living organisms and can be affected by the use of chemicals. If you have used any lasting pesticides in the recent past check with the company you are buying from prior to ordering Aphidius or Aphidoletes. Normally stop using pyrethrum 4 days before, rotenone 1 to 2 weeks before and soft soap insecticides 1 day before putting out Aphidius or Aphidoletes. They are nontoxic to children, pets and wildlife and will not become a problem on its own. Return from APHIDOLETES page to Organic Fertilizers
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