Targeted Biological Control for Smaller Aphids
Aphidius colemani is a tiny, non-stinging parasitic wasp that seeks out and destroys aphid colonies — even at low population densities. It's one of the most effective and widely used biocontrol agents for greenhouse and garden aphid management.
Target Pests
- Cotton/Melon Aphid (Aphis gossypii)
- Green Peach Aphid (Myzus persicae)
- Tobacco Aphid (Myzus nicotianae)
- Bird Cherry Oat Aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) — ideal for banker plant systems
How It Works
Female wasps lay eggs directly inside aphids. The larva develops inside the host, eventually killing it and forming a distinctive golden-brown mummy. Adults emerge ready to mate and hunt. A single female can parasitize up to 300 aphids in her lifetime. When 10% of aphids on leaves are mummies, population collapse typically follows.
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Life cycle: 10 days at 77°F / 2 weeks at 70°F
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Optimal conditions: 64–77°F, 60–80% relative humidity
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Year-round use: Not affected by short-day diapause
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Shipped as: Pre-mated adults or parasitized mummies (pupae)
Application Rates
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Preventive (before aphids detected): 400/acre (1,000/ha) weekly; or 1–25 per 100 sq. ft. weekly
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Curative (after aphids established): 2,000/acre (5,000/ha), 2–3 releases one week apart
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Greenhouse peppers: 400/acre preventive; 2,000/acre curative until 10% mummies
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Greenhouse tomatoes: 1 per 10 plants, weekly for 2 weeks
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Greenhouse cucumbers: 1 per plant, weekly until established
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Ornamentals/outdoors: 0.1–5 per plant or 0.1–3 per 10 sq. ft., weekly
Release Instructions
- Remove sticky cards before release; if monitoring is needed, hang cards no more than 2 days/week.
- Release contents into the crop and leave the bottle open for continued adult emergence.
- In gardens, knock down heavy aphid populations with a strong water spray before releasing.
- Use at least two releases one week apart to establish overlapping generations.
- Combine with Aphidoletes when aphid populations are high for faster knockdown.
Parasitoids for larger aphids
For larger aphids, try Aphidius ervi or Aphelinus abdominalis. For all aphid sizes, consider the Aphidius colemani/ervi mix or the Aphidius Mix.
Download the Aphidius Tech Sheet (PDF)
Order deadline: Orders must be received by noon on Friday PT for shipment the following week. Questions? Call (360) 656-6680. See order deadlines & shipping and release instructions for details.
