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 larvae of this Mightybug appear similar to the mealybugs they are protecting the plant against. It is this camouflage which allows them to get close to the colonies of mealybug on the plant before catching and eating them. The MightyBug Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae are mobile and so will walk around the plant after they have been released in order to find mealybugs to eat.
How to use:
MightyBug Cryptolaemus montrouzieri larvae 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 larvae will disperse from the tube and spread out over the plant you are wanting them to protect. The larvae can not fly, and so they will only stay on the plant you release them on or other plants which are touching and they can walk between.