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Pest Control
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Catalog
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Pest Control / Crop Recommendations
$27.00
$27.00
TARGET PESTS:Â Citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri); other related mealybugs.
FOR YOUR FILES: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Tech Sheet (PDF)
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is the most commonly used biological control for mealybugs. Cryptolaemus is used to control mealybugs mainly in interior plantscapes. They can be used outdoors, but will not survive sub-freezing temperatures. To keep mealybug populations down to acceptable levels in greenhouses, several releases of Cryptolaemus may be necessary, particularly during winter months. They are less effective on longtailed mealybug (Pseudococcus longispinus) because this species lacks the cottony masses Cryptolaemus requires for egg laying.
Adults and young larvae prefer to eat mealybug eggs, but older larvae will feed on all stages of mealybugs. The adults can fly and cover large areas to search for food. If food is scarce they will also eat soft scales and aphids.
Low: 0.2-0.4 per square foot
High: 1-1.2 per square foot
To release, walk through the grow area and allow the insects to escape while gently tapping the container if need be.