Bugs for Bugs specialises in integrated pest management (IPM) and is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of biological control agents. Since 1981, our mission has been to help Australian growers achieve best practice pest management with minimal pesticides.
We are a science-based company that...
- Has been providing crop protection solutions and bio-control organisms for more than thirty years
- Breeds beneficial insects and mites (good bugs to control bad bugs)
- Is highly experienced in the field of fruit fly management
- Offers a range of non-toxic alternatives to conventional pesticides
- Conducts ongoing research and development into biological control and fruit fly management
- Provides contract research in the field of integrated pest management
We are proud of our close relationship with other research providers including the departments of agriculture, universities and CSIRO.
Our production facilities
Our main insectary is located at the site of the old butter factory in Mundubbera. In addition, we have production facilities at Donnybrook, on the Sunshine Coast, and in Toowoomba. We produce our biological control agents in a range of different environments, including climate controlled rooms, laboratories, and glasshouse structures. Each facility is overseen by a range of entomologists and production staff. We now operate more than 50 climate controlled rooms for the production of our biological control agents.
Beneficial Insect Production
Beneficial insect and mite production is very challenging. Maintaining continuous insect production of each beneficial species requires constant monitoring of the rearing systems and attention to detail. Bugs for Bugs uses around 250 tonnes of butternut squash and 24 tonnes of wheat per year for its beneficial insect production.
We currently produce 16 species of natural enemies available to help manage pest problems in a more sustainable way. Each of these rearing systems is complex and labour intensive.
Additional services
We have a number of field staff located across the country providing on-farm advice to growers helping them to manage pests effectively.
In addition to this, we have a long running history with research providers including various departments of agriculture, universities, and CSIRO. We continue to work closely with these organisations and provide a range of support in relation to pest management and biosecurity research. Over the years we’ve provided consulting services in Central and Southeast Asia, Northern Africa, and the South Pacific.
Our commitment to research is significant and we are constantly striving to streamline our existing mass rearing systems while searching for new organisms that can help growers with practical alternatives to conventional pesticides.
Bugs for Bugs also offers contract research to evaluate IPM compatible materials including their effect on biological control agents.
