Encarsia formosa - Whitefly Control

Scientific Name: Encarsia formosa

Cotton Whiteflies, Greenhouse Whiteflies, Silverleaf Whiteflies, Sweet Potato Whiteflies, and various other whitefly species.

Encarsia formosa are tiny parasitoids that despite their relatively short lifespan and very small size, are specifically employed for the biological control of whiteflies. With a black body, clear wings, and measuring a mere 0.5-1mm, Encarsia formosa are hard to see without magnification. Interestingly, these natural predators parasitize whitefly nymphs and pupae rather than eggs, and their predatory companion, Delphastus catalinae, will not feed on whitefly nymphs that have been parasitized by Encarsia formosa. Females can individually lay up to 100 eggs within a 1-2 week lifespan by injecting them inside whitefly nymphs or pupae. In about 3-5 days, the eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on the host through larval development for approximately 7-10 days. When fully developed, the larvae pupate inside the host for about 5-7 days and emerge as adults.

CROPS
Vegetable Crops
Soft Fruits
Ornamental Crops
Hemp

USAGES
Greenhouses
Indoor Facilities
Field and Row Crops
Interiorscapes
Gardens

1 insect per sq. ft. or 1-5 insects per infested plant, 1-2 weeks, at least 5 times.
Temperature Range: 63-95°F

Introduce in the morning or evening. Activity peaks at temperatures over 68°F and humidity of 50-70%.

Hang cards on lower leaves, out of direct sunlight. Avoid getting wet. Leave cards in place for at least 21 days to ensure emergence.

• Yellow sticky traps can catch Encarsia. We recommend removing sticky traps at time of release.
  
  
• Encarsia can target different whitefly species but will parasitize 2nd and 4th instars of the whitefly nymph. It needs whitefly nymphs to complete its lifecycle.
  
  
• Parasitized whitefly nymphs can take 10-14 days to begin appearing. Whitefly nymphs will begin turning a black hue if parasitized by Encarsia.
  
  
• To achieve a comprehensive approach to controlling whiteflies, it is recommended to combine the use of Encarsia formosa with other beneficial predators such as Delphastus catalinae and Eretmocerus eremicus.

• Pesticides, even-wetting agents, and spreader-stickers may adversely affect beneficial insect survival. Broad spectrum and systemic insecticides are toxic.

• Depending on the size and type of plants, the number and type of pests, other predator and parasite populations, and temperature, the frequency of releases may be affected.

STORE POLICIES

Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing your order, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund and Return Policy. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.

We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Products are sold for home use only, not commercial use.

QUALITY GUARANTEE

If your beneficial insects or other perishable products are not viable when delivered, email info@naturesgoodguys.sbs within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a description of the problem. Photos may be requested. Approved replacements ship on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

• Open your package right away and check for storage instructions. Some products need refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
• Ice packs help moderate temperature in transit and are not expected to arrive frozen.
• Some insects need time at room temperature before they become active, and many are hard to see without magnification.

SHIPPING

• Processing: 1 to 3 business days. Orders placed by 12:00 pm Pacific may process the same day, but this is not guaranteed.
• Overnight: ships Monday to Thursday, and Friday for addresses with Saturday delivery, excluding holidays.
• Second Day: ships Monday to Wednesday, and Thursday for addresses with Saturday delivery.
• USPS: ships Monday to Friday.
• We do not ship to PO boxes.

Some products are harvested on set days, and we may hold shipments during extreme weather to protect product quality. We will contact you if your order is delayed significantly.

CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS

Please contact us within 30 minutes of placing your order to change or cancel it.

RETURNS AND REPLACEMENTS

Beneficial insects and other perishable products cannot be returned; they are covered by the Quality Guarantee above. Unopened garden supplies and tools can be returned within 30 days. Full details are in our Refund and Return Policy.

Replacements are not available for an incorrect shipping address, storage or use instructions not followed, or packages left uncollected after delivery.