Orius insidiosus

Orius insidiosus, commonly known as the Minute Pirate Bug, is a powerful and versatile predator, renowned for its ability to control all life stages of thrips, as well as a wide range of other pests. With their precision flying abilities and insatiable appetite, Orius adults and nymphs are key players in maintaining pest-free environments in gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural crops.

Why Choose Orius insidiosus?

• Target Pests: Thrips (all life stages), Spider Mites, Moth Eggs, Aphids, and other small soft-bodied pests.
• Broad-Spectrum Predation: Attacks pests across multiple life stages, ensuring effective control.
• Reproductive Potential: Females lay up to 45 eggs during their 4-week lifespan, enabling a self-sustaining population.
• Best For: Thrips control in pollen-rich environments like ornamental plants, vegetables, and fruit crops.

How They Work

• Lifecycle:
  • Female Orius lay eggs near pest colonies. Eggs hatch within 5–7 days into nymphs that actively hunt and feed on pests.
  • Nymphs spend approximately 2 weeks feeding and developing before maturing into adults, which continue predation for an additional 4 weeks.
  • The total lifespan of Orius is approximately 7 weeks under optimal conditions.
• Active Predation: Orius adults and nymphs feed on pests during daylight hours, targeting thrips in all life stages, along with other small pests and their eggs.

How to Decide How Many You Need

The quantity required depends on infestation severity and the area size:

• Small-Scale Releases:
  • Use 1 Orius per 10 sq. ft. in gardens, greenhouses, or grow rooms.
• Large-Scale Applications:
  • Release 2,000–4,000 Orius per acre for crops with widespread pest infestations.

Application Tips

• Pollen-Rich Environments: Orius thrive in crops with high pollen availability, as it supplements their diet and enhances reproduction.
• Winter Releases: During low-light conditions, such as winter months, weekly introductions of adults are recommended to sustain predation.
• Prevent Diapause: Orius may enter diapause (a state of dormancy) under short day lengths. Ensure optimal light and temperature conditions to maintain active populations.

Introduction Rates

• Small-Scale: 1 Orius per 10 sq. ft., as needed.
• Large-Scale: 2,000–4,000 Orius per acre, depending on pest pressure.

Pro Tips for Success

• Combine for Thrips Control: For complete thrips management, release Orius alongside:
  • Amblyseius cucumeris: Controls thrips larval stages.
  • Amblyseius swirskii: Effective against thrips larvae and other soft-bodied pests.
  • Dalotia coriaria (Atheta): Soil-dwelling predator for thrips pupae.
  • Hypoaspis miles: Soil predator for thrips and fungus gnat larvae.
• Avoid Pesticides: Even mild pesticides or wetting agents can harm Orius. Avoid systemic treatments before and after release.

Storage

• Release Immediately: Orius adults should be introduced promptly upon arrival.
• Short-Term Storage: If necessary, store at 45–55°F for no longer than 24 hours.

Shipping

All Orius insidiosus are shipped overnight to ensure live delivery.