HIRED BUGS. ols. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Transcription

1 HIRED BUGS Your complete ordering guide to Nature s Pest Controls. ols. Ants Aphids... 9, 10 Book Caterpillars Deterents, Traps, & Other Stuff Fleas Flies Fungus Gnats Green Lacewings... 4 Japanese Beetles Ladybugs... 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Magnifiers Mealybugs Mighty Myco Pirate Bugs... 3 Praying Mantis... 4 Predator Nematodes Scales Shipping Info Spider Mites... 5, 6 Thrips... 11, 12 Using Hired Bugs... 1, 2 Whitefly... 7, 8

2 Using Insects to Control Insects Beneficial insects have controlled insect pests for millions of years and now, with Hired Bugs from Nature s Control, you can use them in your garden too! Hired Bugs are totally safe for humans, plants, and the environment. We have many satisfied customers growing in outdoor gardens, home greenhouses, indoors under lights, as well as in commercial applications, on a variety of crops. The pests gradually disappear, and the beneficials thrive. When the Hired Bugs start running out of food, you can even move a few buggy leaves to other plants that need help. The Hired Bugs will crawl off to begin controlling pests on the new plants. You never need to worry about our Hired Bugs becoming pests themselves, because the beneficials we sell can only eat other pests not plants. And when your pest populations die off, they will too unless they find more pests to eat. Hired Bugs don t tolerate most pesticides very well, so it s very important not to apply residual pesticides (such as Malathion & Sevin) for at least a month before using Hired Bugs. Temperature and humidity can often be adjusted to favor the Hired Bugs over the pests, and close attention to recommendations will give better results. Often, these changes can be as simple as adjusting ventilation or watering routines. For example, increasing the humidity by increased watering, misting plants more often, or merely splashing water on the floor, will often help out the Hired Bugs. Pests usually get plenty of moisture from plant juices, and they often prefer drier conditions. The small amount of time you spend creating more favorable conditions for Hired Bugs will be well worth your while! HANDY HINT: Hired Bugs crawl and fly around a lot more than their prey. That means they get more exposure to any pesticides that are present. This is one reason Hired Bugs die from pesticide exposure so easily. It s very important to be sure your plants are pesticide free before applying Hired Bugs. 1 HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

3 ANSWERS TO YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Where can I purchase Hired Bugs for my garden? The garden store this book came from will carry every pest control mentioned. Some Hired Bugs, like Ladybugs, Praying Mantis, & Predator Nematodes, may be in stock. Other Hired Bugs do not store as well and are shipped fresh from the insectary as soon as we receive your order. Do I have to pick them up at my garden store? You can pick up your Hired Bugs at your garden store, or have them shipped direct to you. It s the same great service either way. How fast will I get my order? My plants are covered with pest bugs! We know you want your order in a hurry so we ship fast! You will usually receive your Hired Bugs within 2-3 days of your order, as long as they can arrive by Friday. To insure optimum quality, we avoid shipping live Beneficials over the weekend. What can I do until my Hired Bugs come? My plants are dying! Soapy sprays, such as Safers, are fine to use right up to when the Hired Bugs arrive. In fact, if the pests are really getting out of hand, this might be a good idea anyway. The fewer pests there are to control, the faster your Hired Bugs will work. Be sure to wash any soapy residue from produce. Remember, Hired Bugs work best when they have an early start. Order today for fastest service! Nothing could be easier to use than Hired Bugs! Hired Bugs are easier to apply and need far less re-application than sprays or dusts. You simply release them and they do all the work! Unlike toxic sprays, with Hired Bugs you simply can't overdose your plants. The more you put out the faster they work! You'll soon be delighted with the results and you'll see for yourself - Nature's Control is real control! NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 2

4 GENERAL PEST CONTROLS SECOND LINES OF OFFENSE FOR USE WITH MORE TARGETED CONTROLS. LADYBUGS FOR USE AGAINST APHIDS, THRIPS,SPIDER MITES AND WHITEFLIES Ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) are one of the most commonly known beneficial insects. They have an appetite for aphids, but will also eat other small, soft-bodied insects they may encounter. Ladybugs can be stored, dormant, in the refrigerator for up to a few weeks, as long as they don't freeze or dry out. This allows you to use a few at a time, as needed. Ladybugs will often mate and lay eggs. These eggs appear as clusters of little orange footballs, each laid on end. Fast moving Ladybug Larvae look like tiny black alligators with orange spots. One larvae will eat about 400 medium-size aphids during its development to an adult. An adult ladybug may eat over 5,000 aphids during its lifetime (about a year). PIRATE BUGS FOR USE AGAINST APHIDS, THRIPS,SPIDER MITES AND WHITEFLIES Pirate Bugs (Orius insidiosis) are a winged predator that uses a piercing-sucking beak to pierce their victims and suck them dry. Pirate Bugs are general feeders and work well on thrips, aphids, spider-mites, whitefly pupae, and other soft-bodied insects. Shipped as a mix of nymphs near hatching and winged adults ready to use. Pirate Bug Application: Apply Pirate Bugs during off light cycle or evening hours. They reproduce best when they have at lest 15 hours of light per day. Female Pirate Bugs lay about 2-4 eggs per day, and eggs in her adult lifespan (3-4 weeks). 3 HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

5 PRAYING MANTIS EGGS FUN GARDEN PETS, MANTIDS EAT ANYTHING & EVERYTHING THEY CAN CATCH Praying Mantis (Tenodera sinensis) make wonderful backyard pets, and constantly entertain while they eat insects all Summer long. They are beautiful insects with a voracious appetite. Being strictly carnivorous, they will eat almost any insect of a size they can overcome. Waiting in quiet ambush for hours at a time, when an insect comes wandering by they suddenly jump out and attack! Mantid Application: Eggs store in the refrigerator until ready for hatching, which takes 2-8 weeks of warm weather. Each egg hatches mantids, which continue to grow throughout Summer and reach 3-5" long by Fall. Mantis Eggs are available from mid-december to mid-july, and they should be used by Aug. 15 for a proper hatch. GREEN LACEWING LARVAE/EGGS FOR USE AGAINST APHIDS, THRIPS, MEALYBUGS AND WHITEFLIES Looking like tiny alligators, these Lacewing larvae (Chrysopa rufilabris) will voraciously attack almost any prey they can grab with their pincer-like jaws. After injecting a paralyzing venom, they suck the body fluids from their helpless victim. Green Lacewing larvae will eat up to 200 aphids or other soft bodied insects a week. Adults live 4-6 weeks during which time females lay up to 200 eggs. Lacewing Application: Green Lacewings are available as eggs in a cup, eggs glued to cards which are hung from foliage, or prehatched larvae. Lacewings can be applied almost anywhere and will search up to 100 feet for their first meal. Repeated releases every 2-4 weeks may be necessary in heavy infestations. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 4

6 5 THE PEST: SPIDER MITES FIRST SIGN: little yellow speckles on leaf surfaces. When you turn a leaf over, tiny, oval shaped mites, about pin head in size, are scurrying around. Their eggs, best seen with a magnifier, (page 19) will be scattered around at random. Spider Mite eggs are all perfectly round, the same size, ranging from clear to amber in color. With some larger infestations a fine webbing, crawling with mites, covers the plant tops. Soon, the leaves will be browning and dying. MOST COMMON SPECIES: THE TWO SPOT The two spot Spider Mites are usually yellow/tan/greenish in color, and by maturity they grow two dark spots on their shoulders, one on each side. The larger the spots, the older the mite, or the more chlorophyll there is in the plant species they are feeding on. Spider Mites can float along with wind currents, or be carried by pets, clothing or infected plant material. SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES Adult females have the ability to go dormant for months at a time after the photoperiod (daily hours of light) shortens, then re-emerge to lay more eggs after the photoperiod lengthens again. That's one reason Spider Mites may keep reappearing, crop after crop on indoor plants. MOST POPULAR CONTROL: SPIDER MITE PREDATORS Spider Mite Predators not only feed on Spider Mites and their eggs, they also breed twice as fast! Each Spider Mite Predator sucks the juice out of about 5 Spider Mites a day, or 20 of their eggs. Predators should noticeably begin to gain control within 4 weeks, and then continue until the Spider Mites are nearly or completely wiped out. For fastest control apply 1 predator mite for every 5 spider-mites. Three species of Spider Mite Predators available. HANDY HINT: In greenhouses, a few specimen house plants kept all year long, in addition to the main crop, can be major sources of infestations. Check any year-round specimen plants particularly closely for pests. HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

7 BEST SPIDER MITE CONTROL: TRIPLE THREAT! USE OUR MIX OF ALL 3 SPECIES TO COVER A WIDER RANGE OF GROWING CONDITIONS WIDE TEMP RANGE, MODERATE HUMIDITY: Phytoseiulus persimilis Temperature Range: F. Humidity Range: 55 to 90% MODERATE TEMP RANGE, HIGH HUMIDITY: Neoseiulus californicus Temperature Range: 55º 90ºF. Humidity Range: 60 90% WIDEST HUMIDITY AND TEMP RANGE: Mesoseiulus longipes Temperature Range: 55º 105º + F. Humidity Range: 45 90% All three types can be used either separately or in any combination. If you don t specify, we ll send you our Triple Threat mix of all three. IF SPIDER MITE POPULATION IS ESPECIALLY HIGH: MITE DESTROYERS Spider Mite Destroyers (Stethorus punctillum) efficiently eat all stages of Spider Mites, including their eggs. They find new spider mite infestation sites on their own by flying. Spider Mite Destroyers can eat over 40 mites per day! It takes 4-6 weeks to really get these guys going, so use Predator Mites as well for more immediate control and for cleaning up small "trouble spots". Life cycle takes 18 days at 70. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL OUR NEWEST CONTROL: FELTIELLA ACARISUGA Feltiella acarisuga is a Predator Midge used against Spider Mites. They have the ability to quickly fly and spread through a crop, making them quite effective in large greenhouses and gardens. Feltiella can also be used in low humidity environments where Spider Mite Predators would have difficulty reproducing. Every order of Feltiella acarisuga comes with a bottle of Ovi-Stim. Ovi-Stim encourages the Feltiella to reproduce very rapidly when they are first released. HANDY HINT: Many Pyrethryn sprays are encapsulated. While Pyrethryn is relatively safe (it breaks down quickly), encapsulation can make it last for weeks or months indoors. This residual action kills off Hired Bugs even after it no longer affects pests. 6

8 THE PEST: WHITEFLIES GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY CONTROL: FIRST SIGN: tiny, pure white "moths" resting on leaf surfaces. When disturbed, these moth-like flies quickly flutter up, then settle back down onto plants. Leaves may appear shiny with honeydew. A magnifier reveals clear-white "scales" (the pupae) on the undersides of leaves. All stages of Whiteflies suck plant juices. MOST COMMON SPECIES: GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY & SWEET POTATO WHITEFLY It's so difficult to be certain which species you have, that we advise either consulting your county agent to be sure, or simply widening your predator strategy to cover both species it's not uncommon to have both pests together. What finally kills plants with a Whitefly infestation isn't usually the Whiteflies, but a black sooty mold that grows on their accumulated honeydew. By this stage, there will be clouds of Whiteflies. This is the time to rinse any shiny honeydew off the plants with a strong soapy water spray to prevent sooty mold from growing. 7 SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES WHITEFLY PARASITES Tiny Whitefly Parasites (Encarsia formosa) lay their eggs inside developing Whitefly pupae, so a Whitefly Parasite hatches out instead of a Whitefly. You'll need a magnifier to see them, but they spell death for Greenhouse Whiteflies, and they provide some limited control of Sweet Potato Whitefly as well. SWEET POTATO WHITEFLY CONTROL: WHITEFLY PREDATORS Whitefly Predators (Delphastus pusillus) eat from 150 up to 600 Whitefly eggs a day! It takes them about 30 seconds to eat a Whitefly egg; slightly longer to eat a larva. They especially prefer the eggs of Sweet Potato Whitefly and Silverleaf Whitefly. OTHER CONTROLS: Some customers also report good results with Green Lacewings (page 4) or Pirate Bugs (page 3). HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

9 MOST EFFECTIVE RELEASE STRATEGY GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY CONTROL: FOUR PARASITE RELEASES, TWO WEEKS APART SWEET POTATO WHITEFLY CONTROL: SIX PREDATOR RELEASES, TWO WEEKS APART CONCENTRATION/COVERAGE: PARASITES 1,000-3,000 PER 1,000 SQ FT PREDATORS PER 1,000 SQ FT Applying Parasites: Your Whitefly Parasites arrive packaged, ready to hatch, glued to small, perforated cards which you hang among plant foliage. Parasites work best when temperatures average at least 68 F. (add daytime & nighttime temperatures and divide by 2). Parasites emerge as adults within 2 weeks and fly off to hunt for more Whitefly pupae to parasitize. Applying Predators: Simply shake them out of the container they come in, onto plant foliage. Best at F. ENHANCED STRATEGY: STICKY YELLOW TRAPS SERIOUSLY! Whiteflies are strongly attracted to the color yellow. Our Yellow Whitefly Traps are coated with a long-lasting sticky substance and the Whiteflies just fly right to them! This is an excellent secondary tactic, especially when intense infestations need to be knocked down in a hurry. Place 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on level of infestation HANDY HINT: Pest infestations often show up around the same time every Spring. Start watching a little before that time every year, so you ll catch pests early and need the fewest Hired Bugs HANDY HINT: Want to really keep out pests? Consider adding a footbath to deter any travellers. Just add a little bleach to some water in a shallow pan, and walk through it as you enter the greenhouse. Have visitors use it too. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 8

10 THE PEST: FIRST SIGN: wilted-looking plants that aren't thriving. Looking closer, dense colonies of tiny (1/32" 1/8") soft bodied, pear-shaped insects are seen, especially on tender growing tips and undersides. Young Aphids look like miniature adults. And the whole family will be found feeding together. SPECIES IDENTIFICATION Aphids come in almost every color. They can be green, yellow, pink, brown, black or any shade in between. To be certain of an Aphid diagnosis, use a magnifier (page 19) to find the pair of tiny dual exhaust pipes on their posteriors. These are properly termed "cornicles" and Aphids are the only insects that have them. SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES Aphids feed by sucking plant juices, which is damaging enough, but the most serious damage comes from the plant diseases they carry. They also produce honeydew. This can grow an unsightly, and potentially fatal, sooty black mold. 9 APHIDS This should be hosed off or washed away with soapy water. Aphid infestations often appear in large numbers very quickly. They multiply very rapidly because they are born pregnant. In fact, there are tiny secondary embryos inside the first embryos! New Aphids reach adulthood in one week! This is why aphids can wreak such rapid devastation. MOST POPULAR CONTROL: LADYBUGS One Ladybug typically will consume over 5,000 aphids! See Page 3 to Order. MOST POPULAR CONTROL: GREEN LACEWINGS Lacewings will search up to 100 feet for their first meal! See Page 4 to Order. HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

11 MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: APHID PREDATORS Aphid Predators (Aphidoletes aphidimyza) have worked so well in many greenhouses, that, by Summer, Aphids may be hard to even find. Adult Predators fly through the crop and lay their eggs near aphid colonies. The larvae soon hatch and begin feeding on aphids. Breeding populations of predators are usually established from a single release, but regular weekly releases during the growing season speeds up control. 1,000 Aphid Predators treats up to 10,000 sq. ft. of greenhouse space. SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES Aphid Predators have a soil-resting phase as part of their lifecycle, so should not be used at the same time as Predatory Nematodes. Application: Aphid Predators are shipped to you as cocoons, waiting to hatch, packaged in bottles. Spread the contents on the soil or leaves. APHID PARASITES Aphid Parasites (A. matricariae) are our newest tool in the battle against Aphids. They are very effective at searching out scattered populations of aphids. Aphid Parasites lay an egg inside the Aphid, and when it hatches the larvae consumes the aphid s body contents. The parasite then spins a cocoon inside the dead aphid and pupates, causing the aphid to swell and develop into a leathery "mummy". A new adult parasite then flies out from a circular hole cut in the aphid mummy. SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES These parasites have been proven successful in European greenhouses. They are shipped near hatching, or as adults (no choice). Application: Shake directly from shipping container onto leaves. For preventive control, apply regular small releases throughout the growing season. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 10

12 FIRST SIGN: uneven patches scratched into plant tissue. Later, a silvery metallic looking sheen may cover leaf surfaces. With or without the sheen, you may also see black specks (Thrip fecal matter). Only on close inspection is the pest itself found. With severe infestations leaves will become paper-thin. About 1 / 10 " long, Thrips can move quite quickly for their size. Many gardeners report thrips as a small "worm with legs". Larvae and adults look similar, but adults have wings and can fly. HUNDREDS OF VARIETIES AND MANY COLORS 11 THE PEST: THRIPS Too many to try and describe here, but they all feed the same way by scraping and rasping at tender leaf surfaces. Thrips feed by scraping and rasping leaf surfaces. SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES Most Thrips move down into soil, rockwool or other synthetic growing media to pupate. This is the first stage at which to control Thrips populations, using Predator Nematodes. Often after two months, regular application of Nematodes alone gives good control. However, for heavy or persistent infestations, we recommend using Nematodes in conjunction with above-ground controls. Your choice will depend largely on the environment in your growing area. If your humidity is too low for Thrips Predator Mites (p. 12), then Pirate Bugs (p. 3) or Green Lacewings (p. 4) are recommended. Winged adult thrips are attracted to the color blue. Blue Sticky Traps (p. 20) are an easy way to eliminate some of the adults. HANDY HINT: Soapy water sprays (such as Safers Soap) don t continue to kill off insects after the initial spraying, so they re safe to use before you add Hired Bugs. Use them instead of more powerful, longer lasting pesticides, but test a few leaves first for any adverse reactions. And, if you use soap on produce, make sure it can be washed off to avoid any soapy taste. HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

13 MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: PREDATOR NEMATODE DOUBLE DEATH MIX! OUR POPULAR MIX OF TWO PREDATOR NEMATODE SPECIES TO COVER A WIDER RANGE OF SOIL DEPTH PREFERENCE UPPER 3 INCHES OF SOIL MEDIA: Steinernema Species TOP 3 TO 6 INCHES OF SOIL MEDIA: Heterorhabditis Species Predator Nematodes are one of the most useful pest controls to come along in years. They attack and kill more than 250 different insects, including Fleas, Thrips, Fungus Gnats, even insects as large as Cutworms. Nearly every insect that spends any part of its lifecycle in the soil is likely prey for Predator Nematodes. Application: Predator Nematodes come packaged on a small piece of synthetic sponge that you rinse out in water. Then use any type of watering can or sprayer to apply them to the soil. The pressure of passing through a sprayer nozzle won't faze them in the slightest. Each package of one million Predator Nematodes treats up to 2,000 square feet of soil surface. For best results make repeat applications every 4-6 weeks throughout the season when soil temperatures are between 50 F. & 85 F. and target pests are present. FOR CONTROL IN HIGH HUMIDITY CONDITIONS: THRIPS PREDATOR MITES Thrips Predator Mites (Amblyseius cucumeris) are most effective under conditions of 70-85% humidity, against all species of Thrips. They will also eat an occasional Spider Mite, and other small pests. However, reports have been poor in low humidity environments, so use these predators in greenhouse and other interior locations with high humidity levels only. Application: Simply sprinkle your Thrips Predator Mites onto plant foliage or on rockwool blocks in infested areas; they'll do the rest. Use per plant; or 200,000 per acre, depending on level of infestation. Repeat every 2-3 weeks until established. Hired Bugs do the job easier, safer, better! NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 12

14 THE PEST: FUNGUS GNATS FIRST SIGN: small, dingy grey flies, flying around plants aimlessly. If these "flies" are also seen coming out of the soil around your plants, you probably have Fungus Gnats. 13 SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES Fungus Gnats can be told apart from Whiteflies, a much more serious pest, because they're dingy grey instead of pure white. Fungus Gnat larvae, small worms found in the top inch or two of your soil, feed mostly on organic debris, fungi, algae, etc. While doing this, they often nibble the roots of young seedlings. Healthy plants will often outgrow them, so they may be more of a nuisance than a real threat to plant health. The adults can be quickly reduced with Sticky Yellow Traps (pg. 20). Long term control is often good with Predator Nematodes applied every 4-6 weeks. Fungus Gnat Predators (Hypoaspis species) are also an effective Fungus Gnat control. HANDY HINT: Insect screening material can be stretched over air intakes to filter many pests out, but you may need larger exhaust fans because of the air restriction. FUNGUS GNAT CONTROL: FUNGUS GNAT PREDATORS Use Fungus Gnat Predators (Hypoaspis species) for control of Fungus Gnats and most other small, soil-inhabiting insects, Mites, and Springtails. Provides up to 30% control of Western Flower Thrips, as well. Eggs hatch in about 2-3 days, and their life cycle is completed in about 11 days at 68 F. Temperature isn't critical, but they're inactive below 57 F. They thrive under almost any conditions except flooding or drought. Application: Sprinkle Fungus Gnat Predators throughout the growing area onto soil surfaces, capillary mats, hydroponic media, etc. Be sure to apply them to all wet, exposed areas of soil and greenhouse floors too. For bedding plants, it's probably not essential to treat every single flat, but do apply Predators early enough to allow time for them to spread to other plants. If Gnat populations are low, 5,000 Predators will cover 200 square feet of growing surface. Larger pest populations will require larger releases, with one release usually being enough per growing season. HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

15 MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL PREDATOR NEMATODE DOUBLE DEATH MIX! Predator Nematodes attack both fleas and fungus gnats! See Page 12 to Order. HANDY HINT: Humidity plays a critical role in insect survival. Pest insects eat a diluted food consisting of plant juices. As the moisture in the pests evaporate, they can take in more plant juices. When air humidity is low, they can evaporate moisture faster, and therefore eat faster. On the other hand, predator insects eat a concentrated meaty diet, so they prefer higher humidity levels to help maintain their critical body moisture. That is why raising your humidity level will help your Hired Bugs thrive, and at the same time slow down your pests. THE PEST: FLEAS FIRST SIGN: your pets start scratching themselves a lot! You won't get good results by putting our Predator Nematodes on your pets, but applying them to the soil in areas of your yard where pets frequent will greatly reduce Flea populations. So there are just a lot fewer to crawl onto your pets and ride into your house. Predator Nematodes can be especially effective when applied during moist periods, when Fleas are most active. SPECIAL FLEA NOTES Here at Nature's Control, we dust our pets with Diatomaceous Earth, a natural, completely non-toxic control (pg. 19). Thorough vacuuming every three days (including all crevices) can really help control House Fleas, too. HANDY HINT: If you have two greenhouses one with a pest infestation and the other without either do all your work in the clean greenhouse first, then move to the infested greenhouse; or treat both with the appropriate Hired Bugs. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 14

16 THE PEST: MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: MEALYBUGS FIRST SIGN: distorted leaves, generally weakened plants. Clusters of Mealybugs look like a cottony mass. It's only on close examination that they're seen to be individual, soft bodied, very slow moving insects. SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES Covered with a fluffy, waxy coating, Mealybugs tend to gather, often at a crotch or joint. Even though Mealybugs breed somewhat slower than other insects (each generation takes about a month), they can gradually build up to quite dense and damaging populations. General control Predators (pages 3-4) like Pirate Bugs, Green Lacewings, and Ladybugs, will eat the young Mealybugs. Mealybug Destroyers are the best control for adult & juvenile Mealybugs. MEALYBUG DESTROYERS Tiny (1/8") black Lady Beetles, these Mealybug Destroyers (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) feed on all species of above ground mealybugs. They also eat aphids and soft scale. Both adults and larvae are predatory. Immature beetles are covered in a white, waxy material giving them an appearance similar to mealybugs. Mealybug Destroyers are originally from Australia, and are one of the oldest and most successful of biological controls. They are credited with complete control of the Citrus Mealybug in California s citrus industry. Application: Just shake them onto plants right from the container they arrive in. We recommend 2-5 Mealybug Destroyers per infested plant. 15 HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

17 THE PEST: THE PEST: MULTIPLE FLY SPECIES THE CONTROL: SCALES FIRST SIGN: similar to Mealybug damage. But, on close inspections, little "oyster shells" are attached to the stems and leaves. Many, but not all, species produce shiny honeydew on leaf surfaces. Active only as babies (crawlers), Scales soon lose their legs, grow a hard outer shell, and settle in for a quiet life of sucking plant juices. Circular to slightly oval, Scales readily scrape off with a fingernail. VARIOUS CONTROLS: Mealybug Destroyers feed on Scales when Mealybugs run low. Green Lacewings, Ladybugs, & Pirate Bugs will feed on the crawler stage, but Scale control with predators alone has been variable. We suggest daubing individual Scales or spraying entire colonies with alcohol, lightweight oil, or Safers Soap. Test a small area to find what works best on your crop. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL FLY PARSITES HOUSEFLY PARASITES Anywhere nuisance flies are breeding Housefly Parasites go to work fast! They kill pest flies before they can even hatch, by laying their eggs inside fly pupae! Each fly parasite controls up to 50 pest flies! Application: Sprinkle Housefly Parasites around areas where manure tends to build up, such as bedding areas, feeding areas, watering areas, & along fences. 15,000 treats several head of livestock, or numerous rabbits, chickens or other small animals. Apply at least once a month for continuing control. Apply more often for severe problems or larger ranches. 16

18 Ants in your garden don't damage your plants directly, but they are so fond of the sweet honeydew produced by Scales, Mealybugs and especially Aphids, that they actually herd them from plant to plant to encourage greater honeydew production. Ants also defend their captive herds against the natural predators you introduce, so it's important to control Ants where Hired Bugs are being used. 17 THE PEST: ANTS SPECIAL SPECIES NOTES MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: DIATOMACEOUS EARTH We've had the best results controlling Ants with Diatomaceous Earth (page 19). They don't like D.E., because it literally scratches them to death. In a few days, they quit crossing it. Diatomaceous Earth is effective as long as it stays dry. And insects can't become immune to it either! Application: Dust D.E. freely wherever Ants crawl. Caulk or dust any obvious openings. After you control the Ants, your natural pest controls will work much better because Ants interfere with most beneficial insects. THE PEST: JAPANESE BEETLES Japanese Beetles are destructive lawn pests, especially east of the Mississippi River. Sprinkle Milky Spore Disease onto soil surface for long-lasting control of Japanese Beetles. For more immediate control, use Predator Nematodes (page 12). MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: MILKY SPORE DISEASE Japanese Beetle grubs ingest the Milky Spore. Milky Spore disease then begins to cripple the grub, and within 7-21 days the grub will die. As the grub decomposes, it releases billions of new spores into the area. Application: Use one teaspoonful for every four feet, in a grid pattern. Infected Japanese beetles turn milky-white inside, then die. A single application literally lasts for years. One 10 oz. can treats 2500 sq. ft. CANNOT BE SOLD IN CALIFORNIA HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

19 THE PEST: CATERPILLARS FIRST SIGN: chunks chewed right out of leaves. You may also see little piles of fecal material scattered about. Look closer, and you ll detect worm-like larvae crawling slowly around, feeding. Corn Earworm, Cabbage Looper, Tomato Hornworm, and other such pests are all the offspring of various moths and butterflies, and they can all be controlled with Caterpillar Parasites. THE CONTROL: Caterpillar Parasites lay their eggs inside caterpillar eggs. MOST EFFECTIVE CONTROL: CATERPILLAR PARASITES Amazing Caterpillar Parasites (Trichogramma species) control over 200 species of Caterpillars, making them the most popular biocontrol in the world. They're so tiny (1/50" from wingtip to wingtip) you probably won't even see them. They work by laying their eggs inside moth or butterfly eggs, killing them before they hatch. Instead of a new generation of Caterpillars, another Parasite generation hatches out and goes on to repeat the cycle. Each female Caterpillar Parasite may parasitize (kill) up to 100 pest eggs. Application: For best results, Parasites should be released when pest moths or their caterpillars are first seen, and further releases continued weekly or bi-weekly until Caterpillars are no longer present. Use 5,000 25,000 per acre, depending on the level of infestation. Caterpillar Parasites come as eggs ready to hatch. 5,000 eggs glued to a small piece of cardboard. Simply hang the cardboard among your plants and let the Caterpillar Parasites do the rest. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 18

20 OTHER NEAT & USEFUL STUFF! MAGNIFIERS Find out what s eating your plants and actually watch your Hired Bugs feeding and mating! Choose from our chrome plated, pocketsized folding 16x Magnifier with a 1 viewing area, or The Big Ten-X with a giant 3 viewing area. DUSTIN-MIZER Without a doubt, Dustin-Mizer is the easiest way to apply garden dusts like Diatomaceous Earth. The crank turns easily, and lays down a full, evenly distributed barrier under and around plants, garden structures, or home foundations. DIATOMACEOUS EARTH The real thing, not the heat-treated swimming pool grade which doesn't work against insects and is also dangerous to inhale. Insects die after losing as little as 10% of their body moisture through microscopic scratches caused by the Diatomaceous Earth. (see Dustin-Mizer) USE D.E. AS A NON-TOXIC PET FLEA POWDER TOO! 19 HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

21 STICKY YELLOW TRAPS Hang these sticky traps around your growing area to catch Whiteflies, Aphids, and Fungus Gnats as well as many other garden pests. Pests are much easier to spot against the yellow than on your plants. Specify Color When Ordering INSECT BOOK STICKY BLUE TRAPS Work on insects that are attracted to the blue portion of the color spectrum. Customers report success using Blue Traps against Thrips & Leafminers. Especially recommended for use on roses. Garden Insects of North America by Whitney Cranshaw is the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the common insects and mites affecting yard and garden plants in North America. Through full-color photos showing multiple life-stages and concise, clear, scientifically accurate text, it describes the vast majority of insect species associated with fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, and turfgrass. The ultimate guide to backyard bugs! Fly Attacking Ship Shirt Front Ladybugs on Leaf NATURE'S CONTROL TEE-SHIRTS! These 100% cotton tees are a fun way to spread the Hired Bugs word: NATURE'S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL. TEE SHIRT SIZES: SM, MED, LG, X-LARGE, XX-LARGE 2 designs to choose from: *Fly Attacking Ship *Ladybugs on Leaf Shirt Back Please Specify Size and Design Shirt Front NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 20

22 BENEFICIAL INSECT FOOD Spray Beneficial Insect Food around your plants to attract many more beneficials and keep the ones you already have. Many beneficials need the pollen and nectar found in B.I.F. to keep on breeding. 8 ozs. of B.I.F. makes 2 qts. of spray. MIGHTY MYCO * Increases Fruit / Vegetable Yields * Reduces Transplant Shock * Root Biostimulant * Promotes Fast Growth Mighty Myco is a plant root inoculant that contains carefully selected mycorrhizae fungus benefiting a wide range of plants from shrubs and trees to vegetables and ornamentals. Mycorrhizae fungus naturally occur in areas where plants are not disturbed by human activity, but these beneficial fungus are often lacking in the urban environment. Mycorrhizal fungi attach themselves to the plant roots and form a secondary root system that can expand a plants feeding capacity up to 1,000 times. With this enhanced absorption capability the plant receives improved nutrient and water uptake, resulting in a stronger root system, increased disease resistance, and superior plant growth. Mighty Myco is not harmful to plants or animals, and typically one application is all that is needed. Mighty Myco Granular can be added to the soil when doing new plantings or transplants. Mighty Myco Soluble mixes easily with water and can be poured over the soil of new or well established plants. Available in Granular or Soluble variety. 21 HIRED BUGS TO YOUR PLANTS RESCUE

23 SHIPPING INFORMATION MOST ORDERS RECEIVED BEFORE TWO O CLOCK SHIP THE SAME DAY. Most orders received by 2pm Pacific Standard Time are filled the same day. Two-day delivery orders must be received by 2pm Wednesday, in order to arrive by Friday. We must receive overnight delivery orders no later than 2pm Thursday for Friday delivery. Two day orders received after 2pm Wednesday, or overnight orders received after 2pm Thursday, will be shipped the following Monday so that your Hired Bugs will arrive fresh and ready to go to work. Saturday delivery is available by special arrangement only. WE GUARANTEE YOUR HIRED BUGS WILL ARRIVE ALIVE AND READY TO GO TO WORK! PLEASE CONTACT THIS STORE WITHIN 24 HOURS IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH YOUR ORDER. NATURE S CONTROL IS REAL CONTROL 22

24 Hired Bugs to your plants rescue! Putting Nature s e s Natural Born n Killers to work for you. Say goodbye to applying and re-applying sprays & dusts. Hired Bugs control pests easier, safer, better! Information you requested...