Lacewings (General Predator)

Prices

	Small Garden	Large Garden
Single Release	$43.00	$65.00
Multiple Release	$78.00	$120.00

All prices include delivery & GST

The following information can also be downloaded as a pdf:

Green Lacewings

Target Pests

Lacewings consume a wide range of common pests, such as Aphids, Mites, mealybug, Whitefly, scale insects and some moth eggs and caterpillars. They are particularly effective against aphids.

Product Description

The Green Lacewing is a native to Australia and is found throughout all states. It is an effective predator of a range of insects commonly found in home gardens, especially aphids.

There are two sized orders available from Bug Central. A 'small garden' pack contains approximately 300 larvae (immature stage), ready for release into the garden, and the 'large garden' pack contains approximately 600 larvae.

Larvae grow to 8 mm in around 12 days. They then pupate, with adults emerging after a further 9 days. Adults will begin laying eggs 7 days after emergence. Development takes around 4 weeks in warmer climates. Adult females lay up to 600 eggs.

Pests generally build up rapidly at the start of each new season, with predators & parasites not active until pests have reached damaging levels.   By releasing large numbers of good bugs, we change the development of the pest population early in the season. This is demonstrated in the graphs below.

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Control will be most effective if beneficials are released before high pest levels occur.

Multiple Releases

For best results, it is recommended that 2 releases be made 14 days apart. Multiple releases are more important if pest numbers are already high, or if release occurs later in the season. The earlier the release time compared to pest pressure, the more likely a single release will be effective.

Suitable Crops/Environments

Green lacewings are one of the most widespread, native predators in Australia. Whilst they are most active in warmer regions, they can tolerate a wide range of climates including greenhouses.

Lacewings, as with most predators and parasites, work best in gardens where a mixture of plants are growing. This ensures a range of insects will be available to sustain a population when pest numbers are low, and also provide alternative food sources such as nectar.

Lacewings are despatched from the insectary via Express Post. As a general rule, the punnets can be kept for 2 to 3 days in a cool (but not cold) place prior to release. Lacewings can be cannibalistic, so leaving them for too long will reduce the number of larvae. The packaging material keeps them separated, and food is supplied in the tubs to reduce this activity prior to normal release times.

Release Instructions

To release the lacewings, simply sprinkle the contents of the punnets evenly on the target plants. Each punnet can be spread over 10 or more small to medium sized plants. Release as close to the target pests as possible, as this will also further increase the likelihood of immediate control. Ensure all material is removed from the punnet - in IPM every bug counts!

Lacewings & IPM

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) relies on a range of activities to reduce pests. IPM does not aim to totally eliminate pests, as this is neither natural nor desirable. IPM seeks to achieve a balance between all organisms in the garden.

Releasing good bugs helps maintain this balance. Using plants that encourage beneficial insects is also recommended.

If a pesticide does need to be applied due to a high level of pest activity, then select the product with the lowest toxicity possible. Releasing predators and parasites after such an application is important, allowing time for the pesticide to dissipate, and to help restore the natural balance.

For further information on this or other products, email questions@bugcentral.com.au

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