Moth & Caterpillar Exterminator - Trichogramma Mix

Release at first sight of caterpillars or moths. Use indoors or outdoors!

TARGET PESTS
Over 150 moth species including Cabbage Loopers, Cabbage Worms, Codling Moths, Diamond Back Moths, Gypsy Moths, Oriental Fruit Moths, Tent Caterpillars, Tobacco Hornworms, Tomato Hornworms, & more.

DESCRIPTION
TRICHOGRAMMA are tiny parasitoids known for their ability to parasitize eggs of various pest insects, particularly moth and butterfly eggs. No larger than the tip of a pencil and measuring only about 0.5-1.5mm in length, they are hard to see without magnification. In agricultural settings, researchers and farmers often use pheromone traps to monitor their presence. Although TRICHOGRAMMA can vary in color, they are generally yellow or light brown, with a slender elongated body, long thread-like antennae, and delicate iridescent wings. The entire life cycle is relatively short with rapid reproduction and development cycles. Adult females can lay dozens to hundreds of eggs inside hosts, hatching into larvae in about 1-5 days. The larvae will feed on the host as it progresses through development for approximately 5-7 days. When the larvae is fully developed it will pupate inside the host for about another 5-7 days and finally emerge as adults, ready to continue the cycle.

TEMPERATURE
50-95°F

INTRODUCTION RATES
Introduce 1-2  insects per sq. ft.
50,000 to 100,000 per acre
Weekly during moth flight

It's important to note that these release rates serve as general guidelines and may vary based on the specific pest species, the crop or plant being treated, and level of infestation. Proper monitoring of the infestation and the subsequent effectiveness of the released beneficial insect population is crucial for determining the success of the biological control strategy.

HOW TO RELEASE:

1. Introduce trichogramma in the early morning, evening, or on a cloudy day when the temperatures are cooler.
2. Eggs will begin to hatch within 5 days when kept at 70°F.
   
3. To introduce, flip the card over (egg side down) and cut with scissors. Do not try to tear.
4. Thread hole and tie to infested plant; staple or wedge card in foliage, out of direct sunight.

STORAGE
Do not store emerged adults for more than 4hrs. Store pupae at 39-46°F for no longer than 72hrs.

PRO TIPS:
Proper identification of the pest species is important. Monitoring the crop closely and introducing beneficial insects early will help in control pest populations.

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