Stop Adult Thrips: The "Minute Pirate Bug" Solution
Mites only eat the babies. Orius eats the adults. If you see thrips flying or crawling on your flowers, predatory mites aren’t enough. Orius insidiosus (the Minute Pirate Bug) is the industry standard for aggressive, natural thrips control. While other biologicals wait for eggs to hatch, Orius hunts down the adults on contact.
Why Orius is the "Heavy Hitter" of Biological Control
Most growers fail because they use Neoseiulus cucumeris or Amblyseius swirskii for active outbreaks. Those mites are great for prevention, but they cannot kill adult thrips.
The Orius Advantage:
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Full Lifecycle Control: Targets larvae AND winged adults.
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Generalist Predator: Will also hunt aphids, spider mites, and moth eggs.
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Pollen-Friendly: They can survive on pollen, making them perfect for flowering crops (Cannabis, Peppers, Ornamentals).
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Aggressive Hunters: One Orius can kill up to 30 thrips per day.
Targeted Pests & Performance
| Pest | Life Stages Targeted | Impact Level |
| Thrips | Adults & Larvae | Primary Target |
| Aphids | Adults & Juveniles | High |
| Spider Mites | All stages | Opportunistic |
| Moth Eggs | Eggs | Supplemental |
Application Rates & Setup
For best results in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), release at the first sign of adult "silvering" on leaves.
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Preventative: 1 Orius per 10 sq. ft.
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Active Outbreak: 5–10 Orius per 10 sq. ft. (Repeat every 2 weeks).
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Commercial Greenhouses: 2,000–4,000 per acre depending on crop density.
Pro Tip: Orius are light-sensitive. Release them in the early morning or late evening to ensure they settle into the canopy rather than flying toward greenhouse lights or windows.
Technical Specifications (Ideal Environment)
To maximize your ROI, ensure your grow room meets these parameters:
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Temperature: 68°F – 90°F (20°C – 32°C)
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Humidity: 60% – 80% RH
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Photoperiod: Requires at least 12 hours of light to remain active (avoids reproductive diapause).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Orius with predatory mites?
Yes. Combining Orius with Amblyseius swirskii creates a "pincer maneuver," where mites handle the soil/leaf larvae and Orius handles the mobile adults.
How long does it take to see results?
You will see active hunting within 24 hours. A full population takes 2–3 weeks to establish through egg-laying.
Is it safe for organic gardening?
Absolutely. Orius insidiosus is a 100% organic biological control, safe for pets, humans, and pollinators.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
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Live Delivery: We guarantee your predators arrive alive and hungry.
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Storage: Use immediately. If necessary, store at 45°F – 55°F for no more than 24 hours. Do not refrigerate.
FAQ
How does the Live Guarantee work?
We know how important it is for your mites to arrive healthy and ready to work. That’s why we offer a live arrival guarantee—with flexible options depending on when we hear from you:
- Let us know within 24 hours of delivery: We’ll gladly send a free replacement shipment.
- Let us know within 2–3 days of delivery: We can offer store credit to make things right.
- After 3 days from delivery: Because these are living organisms, we’re not able to offer replacements or credit beyond that window. By then, it’s harder to know what went wrong or whether shipping conditions were a factor.
We truly want your mites to succeed—so please open your package as soon as it arrives and check on them. If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait—reach out and we’ll take care of you.
Where are you located?
We have a number of different locations in NJ, Maine and Oregon. While we'd love to have you, we are not currently open to the public.
Can I call you?
We get it. Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone, and on a case by case basis we can try to figure it out. Unfortunately though, we're really not able to take calls—FGMN is a small nursery, and we're usually elbows-deep in plants or packing boxes. To make sure nothing gets missed (and everyone gets a timely reply), we keep all communication in writing.
Feel free to message us at info@fgmnnursery.com. We mostly respond quickly, but every once in awhile replies may take a day. Do follow-up if you don't hear in that time. We're human, we miss an email here or there.
Too Many Options?
We get it. Try our mite/insect matchmaking quiz and instantly get matched to the solutions you may need.
Our Live Delivery Guarantee
We stand behind every leaf and every mite. If your plant or predatory insects don’t arrive alive on the first delivery attempt, we’ll make it right.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Email us at info@fgmnnursery.com within 24 hours of delivery
- Include clear photos of the item and the shipping label
- Someone must be available to receive the package—plants and bugs don’t do well sitting in the sun, a mailbox, or the back of a delivery truck
For plants, we offer store credit if something goes wrong.
For predatory mites and beneficial insects, you’ll have the choice of a replacement shipment or store credit.
If you contact us after the 24-hour window, we may still be able to help—just know it’s handled case by case.
We pack with care, insulate when needed, and check the weather before shipping. But once it’s in transit, the fastest way to protect your order is to open it right away.
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