The problem:
There are numerous species of mealybugs, and they can be found mostly on ornamental and succulent plants in warm protected environments. They can be found year-round on plants kept indoors or in greenhouses. A pest insect of cacti, succulents, citrus, orchids and tomato the mealybugs appear to be small balls of white wax on the under side of leaves and soft growing points of the plant. Mealybugs feed on plant sap, weakening the plant and leaving sticky residues around the plant which can attract ants and also result in black mould developing.
The product:
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a predatory beetle which feeds on mealybug larvae. The MightyBug Cryptolaemus montrouzieri adults are mobile and can fly, they are therefore able to move between plants within an enclosed area to locate new colonies of mealybugs to eat. Because Cryptolaemus adults can fly, they are best used in enclosed areas such as indoors or within a greenhouse to prevent them from flying away. Whilst they are highly mobile they will tend to stay close to where there is mealytbug food available for them to eat.
How to use:
MightyBug Cryptolaemus montrouzieri adults arrive in a small plastic tube. Remove the lid of the tube to release the beneficial insects. The opened tube can either be placed within the plant foliage or ideally placed within a hanging MightyBug Distribution Box. The Cryptolaemus adults will disperse from the tube and spread out over the plant you are wanting them to protect. The adults can fly, and therefore can move between plants. For best results release the beneficial predators during the cooler morning or evening rather than peak heat of the day.