Your Dovebug mealybug control pack contains predatory ladybirds Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, which feed almost exclusively on mealy bugs. The white larval stage grows up to 1 cm in length and look like an oversized mealy bug. Both adults and larvae feed on mealy bugs. After mating, females can lay up to 500 eggs in the mealy bug masses. 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. 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 18°C (65°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 adult predatory ladybird is about 4 mm long, mostly brown or black with a distinctive orange head. The life cycle from egg to adult takes 25 days at 30°C and 72 days at 18°C. Cryptolaemus are largely inactive at temperatures below 15°C and work best at temperatures between 21 and 30°C in bright sunny conditions.
The ladybirds are supplied in 30 ml tubes containing 25 adults. As a guide, introduce 2 - 3 Cryptolaemus adults per metre2 in infested areas. Higher rates will be needed for larger specimen plants.
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: