Cryptolaemus montrouzieri - Mealybug Control

Scientific Name: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Citrus Mealybugs, Comstock Mealybugs, Obscure Mealybugs, Solenopsis Mealybugs, Mexican Mealybugs, Long-Tailed Mealybugs, and various other mealybug species. Also targets crawling and larval stages of some Scale Insects.

SHIPPED FRESH & QUALITY GUARANTEED

Mealybug destroyer. Attracted to and often lay eggs on the mealybugs' waxy secretions and egg cases.

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a member of the Coccinellid Beetle family, commonly known as ladybugs, and recognized by their distinctive round, dome shape. These Mealybug Destroyers have a dark brown body with orange head and tail, and are about 4mm in size. Both the adults and larvae target Mealybugs at all life stages. Eggs are laid near colonies of mealybugs and hatch within 5-7 days. The young larvae emerge as small, white, and fuzzy - resembling mealybugs. After 14-20 days and undergoing several molts, the larvae enter the pupal stage and emerge as adults with a lifespan of 4-6 weeks. Both adult beetles and larvae continue to feed on mealybugs until temperatures become unfavorable. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri cannot endure sub-freezing temperatures, and it’s necessary to reintroduce them after low or freezing temperatures.

CROPS
Strawberries
Blueberries
Cucumbers
Eggplants
Roses
Sweet Peppers
Ornamentals
Table Grapes
Vineyards
Tomatoes
Citrus

USAGES
Greenhouses
Field Crops
Gardens

Light infestation: 1-2 beetles per sq. ft., as needed.
Heavy infestation: 2-4 beetles per sq. ft.
Temperature Range: 60-95°F

Introduce in the morning, evening, or when temperatures are cooler.

Disperse beetles onto infested plants. Leave open container in place for 24 hours to allow any remaining beetles to be introduced.

• Attracted to and often lay eggs on the mealybugs' waxy secretions and egg cases.
  
  
• For best results, introduce in early spring. Cryptolaemus montrouzieri cannot survive in cold temperatures (below 50°F), and therefor need to be reintroduced where the winter temperatures are too low.
  
• Cryptolaemus are not as effective on mealybugs that do not lay egg masses, such as long-tailed mealybugs.
  
  
• Treat area against ants. Ants tend to mealybugs and some scale insects for honeydew, and in the process protect the pests from the beneficial insect.
  
  

• 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.