Sound Horticulture Bug Blog

Written by Elaine Sawyer

Filed under

aphytis, chrysoperla, cryptolaemus, fungus gnat control, Green lacewings, Lacewing larvae, lacewings, mealybug, micromus, Phytoseiulus persimilis, predatory mites, tropical plants

Biocontrols for Tropical Plants

Oct 01, 2024

Written by Elaine Sawyer

Bringing tropical plants indoors has been a trend for many years. Whether your space is so filled with plants there's no room for furniture or you just have a single vibrant green specimen plant, there are many benefits to growing plants indoors. It has been scientifically proven that plants reduce stress levels, boost productivity and improve the quality of the air in our environment. They provide so many positive things, but they also come with challenges, like providing the optimal growing conditions and the unfailing battle against pests and disease. Mimicking nature with biological controls releases natural enemies to manage problems. This approach also reduces chemical use in our environments. Continue reading

Written by Elaine Sawyer

Filed under

Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius degenerans, Amblyseius fallacis, Amblyseius swirskii, biocontrol, broad mite control, cyclamen mite control, fungus gnat control, Galendromus occidentalis, mite control, mite harassment, Neoseiulus californicus, Neoseiulus fallacis, Phytoseiulus persimilis, predatory mites, root aphid control, shore fly control, spider mite control, Stratiolaelaps scimitus, the right mite, thrips control, tomato russet mite control

Discussion 1 comment

The Mighty Predatory Mites

Jun 14, 2024

Written by Elaine Sawyer

These mighty mites are a great entry into using biocontrols. They ship well, are easy to use, and effective. But what is a mite? Mites are tiny arachnids with two body parts, four pairs of legs and sucking mouthparts. These extremely small creatures are about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. They feed on other mites, tiny insects like young thrips and scale, as well as the eggs of insects and mites. Not all predatory mites are the same. This makes them perfect for a greenhouse environment or outdoor crops where change can be constant due to weather, culture, and pest pressure. Continue reading

Written by Alison Kutz

Filed under

Amblyseius cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, beneficial insects, biocontrol, Green lacewings, IPM, Lacewing larvae, lacewings, pest control, predatory mites, thrips control

Discussion 2 comments

Thrips Control and Intraguild Predation

Oct 28, 2022

Written by Alison Kutz

Intraguild Predation (IGP) occurs when one biological control agent feeds on another biological control agent. Predators that feed on the same prey are known as a guild. This occurrence can lead to a negative effect on the impact of the biocontrols. Find out more about which biocontrol agents are compatible with each other.