Orius insidiosus bottle displayed with pest control benefits for thrips, aphids, and whiteflies.
Orius insidiosus bottle for pest control, effective against thrips, spider mites, and aphids.

Orius insidiosus

$71.00
While uncommon, order processing can take up to 7 days depending on hatching rates and life stages.
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Orius insidiosus

Thrips Have Met Their Match

Orius insidiosus, better known as the Minute Pirate Bug, doesn’t wait around. These agile black-and-white predators feed on thrips at every stage, plus aphids, spider mites, moth eggs, and other soft-bodied pests. Both adults and nymphs actively hunt, making Orius a versatile and aggressive ally in pest management.

Each bottle contains live adult Orius, ready to patrol the moment you release them. Visible pest suppression typically starts within a few days—and keeps building as females lay eggs near pest hotspots. With the right conditions (and some pollen in the mix), Orius sticks around and does the work.

Targets:

  • Thrips (larvae and adults)

  • Aphids

  • Spider mites

  • Moth eggs

  • Other small soft-bodied pests

Especially effective when paired with mite-focused predators like Swirskii or Cucumeris.

Why Bottles?

  • Immediate action. Adult Orius begin hunting on release

  • All-stage control. Feeds on pest eggs, larvae, and adults

  • Broad coverage. Works in gardens, greenhouses, grow tents, and open crops

  • Feeds on pollen. Maintains activity even when pest pressure drops

How They Work

  • Adults begin feeding on contact

  • Females lay up to 45 eggs near pest clusters

  • Eggs hatch in 5–7 days

  • Nymphs feed for ~2 weeks before maturing

  • Adults continue for another 4 weeks, creating a 6–7 week lifecycle under ideal conditions

  • Best performance: 68–90°F, moderate humidity, pollen-rich crops

How Much to Use

  • Small-scale: 1 Orius per 10 sq. ft.

  • Larger areas: 2,000–4,000 Orius per acre, adjusted by pest load and plant density

  • Reapply or supplement as needed depending on pest pressure

Pro Tips

  • Release at first signs of thrips. They work best before pests peak

  • Avoid pesticides. Residue will take them out

  • Great on flowering crops. Pollen boosts survival and egg-laying

  • Pair with mites. For full thrips lifecycle control, use with Swirskii or Cucumeris

Shipping & Storage

  • Release immediately on arrival

  • If delayed, store at 45–55°F for up to 24 hours

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