TARGET PEST: Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), Onion thrips (Thrips tabaci)
For Your Files: Orius insidiosus Tech Sheet (PDF)
- Also known as Minute Pirate Bug, Orius insidiosus are generalist predators that consume pollen and a variety of species of small, soft-bodied insects including mites, aphids, and small caterpillars. They are most effective for pests with life stages that inhabit flowers (such as flower thrips), as adults are attracted to, and often found in flowers. All stages of Orius move very quickly. The adults are good flyers and move efficiently throughout a greenhouse to locate prey.
- 0.5 - 1 per 10 square feet of canopy
- Release the adults by gently shaking them onto individual plants or by opening the containers in the greenhouse and allowing the insects to disperse.
Orders for Orius insidiosus must be received by noon on Friday for shipment the following week. If the deadline is past, please call us and we will help you find a solution ASAP. (360) 656-6680
See order deadlines and shipping information.
Learn about release instructions for beneficial insects.