Your DoveBug whitefly control pack contains parasitised whitefly scales to give you good control. Apply the cards as soon as you see the first signs of whitefly and do not wait too long. DoveBugs ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE OUTSIDE; one pack is sufficient to treat a greenhouse or conservatory up to 100ft2 (12ft x 8ft) or 10m2 (4m x 2.5m). If you have used any pesticides in your greenhouse/conservatory, other than insecticidal soap, prior to introduction, we recommend that you wait 4 weeks to avoid any problems. If you have ordered a 4 week course, apply the predators each week as directed to achieve good control. Do not store DoveBugs in a refrigerator or freezer. Apply them as soon as you receive the packages.
Remember that biological control works on the principle of using natural enemies, thus the presence of the pest in small quantities is essential for the predator to survive. A minimum day temperature of 15°C (59°F) is needed for the predator so you would normally apply them during the months of April through to September, or later if your conservatory is heated and lit.
The parasitic wasp Encarsia Formosa is a small wasp 0.6mm long. The head and thorax are black and the abdomen yellow. The wasp lays an egg on the whitefly larvae, which turns black after 10 days. The life cycle of a wasp ranges from 13 to 39 days, depending on the temperature in your greenhouse/conservatory.
Remove the cards from the plastic packaging and hang them on the plants where the whitefly are present. We suggest that you keep the cards upright, dry by avoiding direct watering and with the black scales facing away from the sun. Place the cards at around 5' (1.4m) intervals in each direction towards the top of the plant. After hatching the black scales remain on the card.
Further supplies can be obtained from your local garden centre. If you need any technical help or advice on DoveBugs, you can contact us direct at: