A cylindrical container labeled Aphidius Colemani for aphid biological control, with usage instructions, target pests, company details, and a leaf graphic on a white background.
Specialist · Aphids

Aphidius Colemani

$54.00

1 review
While uncommon, order processing can take up to 7 days depending on hatching rates and life stages.
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Aphidius Colemani

At A Glance

Aphidius colemani is a small, non-stinging parasitic wasp that serves as a high-precision biological control for several common aphid species. Unlike predatory beetles that eat aphids whole, Aphidius works by "parasitizing" the aphid. The female wasp lays an egg inside the aphid; the egg hatches and consumes the pest from the within, eventually turning the aphid into a hard, tan-colored "mummy." This wasp is an incredible scout, capable of finding even a single aphid in a large canopy.

  • Scientific Name: Aphidius colemani

  • Primary Target: Green Peach Aphid and Melon/Cotton Aphid.

  • Secondary Targets: Several other small aphid species. (Note: Not effective against larger aphids like Potato or Foxglove aphids).

  • Key Advantage: Exceptional searching ability. These wasps fly throughout the canopy to locate and eliminate hidden aphid colonies that sprays cannot reach.
Target Pests

Aphidius colemani is a specialist hunter that focuses on smaller aphid species:

  • Green Peach Aphid: One of the most common and destructive pests in indoor gardening.
  • Melon/Cotton Aphid: Rapidly eliminated by Colemani search-and-destroy tactics.
  • Aphid Mummies: The most visible sign of success. Once parasitized, the aphids turn into gold or tan husks (mummies), from which a new generation of wasps will emerge to continue the fight.
Environmental Needs

For the best results and to ensure the wasps are active and reproductive, maintain the following environment:

  • Temperature Range: 65F to 80F. While they remain active outside this range, their reproduction rate is highest in moderate temperatures.
  • Humidity: Performs best at 60% to 80% RH. Higher humidity helps the wasps remain hydrated and active.
  • Light Requirements: Aphidius are highly sensitive to light and require at least 12 hours of light per day to remain active. They work best in greenhouses or grow rooms with consistent light cycles.
Selection Guide

Colemani vs. Ladybugs: Ladybugs are generalist eaters but often fly toward the lights and leave. Choose Colemani for a targeted, long-term solution that stays on the plants where the aphids are located.

Colemani vs. Aphidius ervi: Ervi is a larger wasp meant for large aphid species. Choose Colemani if you are dealing with smaller Green Peach or Melon aphids.

The "Early Warning" Choice: Because they are such good scouts, choose Colemani as a preventative release. They will find and kill the "first" aphid before you even notice it’s there.
How to Use

1. Evening Release
Release the wasps in the evening or with the lights dimmed. This prevents them from immediately flying toward your grow lights or windows, giving them time to settle on the plants and find aphid colonies.

2. Placement
Open the vial and place it in a shaded area within the canopy, or gently tap the vial to release the wasps directly onto infested plants. You can also place the open vial in a "release box" hung from a branch.
How They're Shipped

Shipping, Storage, and Live Delivery

  • Release IMMEDIATELY: Aphidius have a very short adult lifespan. For the best results, release them the same day they arrive.
  • Storage: If you must wait, keep the vial in a cool, dark place (45F to 55F). Do not freeze.
  • Visibility: These are very small, dark, ant-like wasps (about 2mm). They do not sting humans or pets. You will see them flying actively once they warm up to room temperature.
  • Evidence of Life: You may receive the product as "mummies" (already parasitized aphids) or as hatched adults. If you see small gold/tan shells, the wasps are either inside or have already emerged to start hunting.

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FAQ

What is your Live Delivery Guarantee?

We guarantee that your beneficial insects will arrive healthy and ready to work. Because we are shipping live organisms, we use packaging and expedited shipping to ensure their safety. In the rare event that your order is compromised during transit, please take a photo of the package and contact us within 24 hours of delivery so we can make it right.
Do they sting humans?

No. Aphidius colemani are tiny parasitoids that only "sting" aphids to lay eggs. They are completely harmless to people and pets.
How do I know they are working?

Look for "mummies"—aphids that have turned into hard, tan, or gold-colored shells. This is proof that the wasps are breeding in your garden.
Can I use them with yellow sticky traps?

Use caution. Wasps are attracted to yellow traps. If you have a high wasp population, consider removing sticky traps for a few days during the initial release.
Can I use them with Neem Oil?

No. Neem and other oils will kill the wasps. Stop all sprays 7 days before release.
Do they work on Root Aphids?

No. Aphidius colemani only hunts aphids on the foliage. For root aphids, we recommend Nematodes or Hypoaspis miles.
How long do they live?

Adults live for about 7 to 14 days, but each female can parasitize hundreds of aphids during that time.
Help! I'm overwhelmed

Yeah, it's a lot the first time you're using predatory mites. Please email us at info@fgmnnursery.com and we'll be happy to help!

I don’t see anything moving in my bottle or sachet. Does that mean they’re dead?

Not at all! In fact, go ahead and deploy them.

Predatory mites are microscopic (often less than 0.5mm) and naturally blend into their carrier medium (bran or vermiculite).

  • For Bottles: The mites often huddle in the center of the bottle for insulation during transit.
  • For Sachets: These are "slow-release" nurseries. The mites stay tucked deep inside the breeding media and emerge one by one over 2–4 weeks. Seeing an "empty-looking" sachet or bottle is not proof of a loss; it is simply how they are packaged for maximum survival.

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