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Tips for establishing a ladybird population

Biological control of Solenopsis mealybug: the potential of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

A recent paper by Kaur and Virk published in Phytoparasitica explores the feeding potential of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri against Solenopsis mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis). Their results suggest that the native Australian ladybird beetle  C. montrouzieri, which is the species produced by Bugs for Bugs for the Australian market, has the potential to be exploited as a biocontrol agent in North India.

Click here to view the paper.

Another Cryptolaemus vs. mealybug good news story

 

Hi fellow bug lovers,

Thank you for providing me with these wonderful Cryptolaemus! They have totally destroyed my mealy bug infestation of which I battled for two years.

I have a 20 year old Hoop Pine tree in the front garden in which there are numerous bird’s nests and I thought that I had tried everything.These wonderful beetles battled the odds and ate anything mealybug.

There has been no sign of re-infestation,despite the hot weather we’ve been experiencing. I’m not worried if they do re-appear as I know that they can be controlled. Anyway, at this stage, all looks good.

Thank you all for your excellent service and fantastic product.

Kind Regards,

Mac Hosking,

Gladstone, 22 January 2009