Aphidius Ervi

Aphidius ervi is specifically effective against larger aphid species that are often too big for its cousin, Aphidius colemani. Key targets include:

• Potato Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae)
• Foxglove / Glasshouse Potato Aphid (Aulacorthum solani)
• Pea Aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
• Cannabis / Hemp Aphid (Phorodon cannabis)
• Tobacco Aphid (Myzus persicae var. nicotianae)

To maximize the "searching and stinging" efficiency of Aphidius ervi, maintain the following conditions:

• Temperature: Performs best between 18°C – 25°C (64°F – 77°F). Activity drops significantly above 30°C (86°F).
• Humidity: Relative humidity should ideally be between 60% and 80%.
• Light: Not sensitive to day length; can be used year-round, including during short winter days.
• Chemicals: Highly sensitive to broad-spectrum insecticides. Ensure a sufficient "buffer period" after any chemical applications before releasing.

Choosing the right Aphidius species is critical for success. Use this guide to ensure A. ervi is the right fit:

• Choose A. ervi if: You have identified larger, more mobile aphids like Potato or Foxglove aphids.
• Choose A. colemani if: Your main issue is smaller species like Green Peach or Melon aphids.
• Choose a "Mix" if: You have multiple aphid species or are unsure of the exact ID. A. ervi is frequently used in 50/50 blends for broad-spectrum protection.

• Release Timing: Introduce at the first sign of aphids or preventatively in "at-risk" crops.
  
• Application: * Open the bottle inside the treatment area. Walk through the crop, holding the bottle at a 45° angle to let emerged adults fly out. Sprinkle the remaining mummies (often mixed with buckwheat or vermiculite) into release boxes or onto rock wool slabs in dry, shaded areas.
  
• Ant Control: Control any ants in the area first, as they will protect aphids and attack the wasps to preserve their honeydew source.
  
• Monitoring: Look for "mummies" (golden-brown, bloated aphid shells) about 10–14 days after release. A neat, round hole in the back of the mummy confirms a new wasp has emerged.

• Live Arrival Guarantee: Shipped via Overnight Express to ensure maximum viability.
• Packaging: Bottles are shipped in insulated containers with cold packs.
• Immediate Action: These are live organisms with a short shelf life. It is recommended to release them on the day of arrival. If a short delay is necessary, store them in a cool, dark place at 4°C – 10°C (40°F – 50°F) for no more than 48 hours.

No. Aphidius ervi is a "micro-wasp" that is physically incapable of stinging humans or animals. They do not have a defensive stinger like a yellowjacket; their only interest is finding large-bodied aphids to parasitize, making them 100% safe for indoor use.

Check your aphid colonies about 10–14 days after release. You should see "mummies"—aphids that have turned into bloated, golden-brown shells. If you see a tiny, perfectly round hole in the back of the mummy, it’s proof a new wasp has emerged and is already hunting the next generation of pests.

A. ervi is the "heavy lifter" of the Aphidius family. While other species target small aphids, A. ervi specifically hunts larger species like Potato, Foxglove, and Cannabis aphids. Because they are larger, they also have a greater searching capacity to find pests across bigger distances.

These beneficials are highly sensitive to broad-spectrum chemical insecticides. If you have used a "hard" chemical recently, check the "buffer period" before releasing. They are generally compatible with "soft" options like horticultural oils or soaps, provided the application has completely dried before you release the wasps.

Yes, ant control is critical. Ants "farm" aphids for their honeydew and will aggressively protect them by killing the A. ervi wasps. For the best results, use a bait or barrier to manage the ants so your wasps can work undisturbed.

These are live organisms with a short shelf life. For maximum efficiency, you should release them on the day they arrive. If you must wait, store the bottle in a cool, dark place at 40°F – 50°F (4°C – 10°C) for no more than 48 hours.