Your Dovebug aphid control pack contains two different predators to give you the best control in both crowded and dispersed infestations. The directions for each part of the pack are different. Aphidoletes
and Aphidius can be used outside providing the temperature is high enough, but control of the pest is less effective on outdoor crops. 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 within one day of receiving the package. 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 12°C (55°F) is needed for the predator so you would normally apply them during the months of April through to September.
The midge aphid Aphidoletes aphidimyza is a small,
mosquito-like midge 2-3mm long. The females lay around 100 bright orange eggs
(0.3 x 0.1 mm in size) at night among aphid colonies, which hatch into bright orange larvae that are voracious aphid predators. The larvae feed on many aphid species, taking 7-14 days to develop, during which time they eat up to 100 young aphids
and may kill many more. When developed, the larvae fall to the ground, burrow and pupate to begin the cycle all over again.
Shake the sachet of the Aphidoletes well before opening and then sprinkle the contents in a shady, warm, moist place. Within a few days they will hatch and fly out.
The British species of wasp Aphidius colmani is a small black wasp, 2-3mm long and lives for around 2 weeks during which time it lays about 100 eggs. The eggs are laid in the body of the aphid and the wasp larvae spins a cocoon within the aphid. This causes the aphid to swell up and become yellow/brown, paper-like
cocoons (called 'mummies'). After 5-10 days the adult Aphidius
emerges via a clean, circular exit hole in the rear of the mummy. Aphidius are very effective on small, well-dispersed populations of aphids and control the pest in 7-12 days.
Tip the contents of the polythene bag into a 3" flower pot filled with damp, light compost and cover with another upturned flower pot. Place this away from direct sunlight and avoid watering over the pot.
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: