APHID CONTROL UNDER GLASS. Control aphids in your greenhouse by introducing a naturally occurring predator or parasite, either Aphidius or Aphidoletes depending on type of infestation you have :- Aphidoletes - Large aphid colonies on a few plants. Aphidius - Small number of aphid spread over a number of plants. Mixed Pack of Aphidoletes & Aphidius - large aphid colonies spread over a number of plants. If the infestation is very heavy then spray with our natural spray SB Invigorator first to reduce numbers and then introduce the biological control. SCROLL DOWN to find out more. Aphidoletes is a naturally occurring midge which feeds on a large number of aphid species. They are introduced into the greehouse in blister packs which are simply hung on the infected plants (pictured left). The adults soon emerge (pictured right), mate and lay their eggs near or even under aphids. The eggs hatch and the larval stage starts to eat the aphids. Each larvae will eat up to 100 aphids before pupating. The adult is extremely efficient in searching out aphids and will only lay eggs on infected plants. The number of eggs laid will depend on the number of aphids i.e. more aphids = more eggs. It is more effective where there are larger pest colonies on a few plants. Aphidius is a naturally occurring aphid parasite and it is capable of attacking over 40 Aphid species. The adult female lays an egg in the aphid, as the egg hatches the larvae feeds on the inside of the aphid destroying it. Following pupation the adult leaves the dead aphid through a small round hole. The activities of the adult parasites "upset" the aphid colonies and as a result the aphids produce a warning pheromone which alerts the whole population which try to escape. Many fall to the ground and die helping the parasite control the aphid numbers. It is best used on small numbers of Aphids spread over a number of plants. Right: Adult Aphidius hunting Aphids.  Aphidoletes - Large Aphid colonies on a few plants. Aphidius - Small number of Aphid spread over a number of plants. Mixed Pack of Aphidoletes & Aphidius - large aphid colonies spread over a number of plants. Aphidius / Aphidoletes is available as a half course, a full course or economy pack. A half course is one intro. and a full course is 2 intros. at 14 day intervals. Separate deliveries at 14 day intervals allows the Aphidius / Aphidoletes numbers to build up naturally. An economy pack is the most economical way to buy either control and is ideal for larger numbers of aphids on a smaller scale. A half course is for a small greenhouse / conservatory where the aphids have just appeared. A full course is for larger greenhouses / conservatory or smaller greenhouses / conservatories where larger numbers of aphids are present. Economy pack is for larger conservatories / greenhouses or large numbers of aphids. Choosing the correct time for introduction is very important, the average temperature should be 10°C/50°F (below this temperature the Aphidius / Aphidoletes are inactive - SB Invigorator should be used to control aphid numbers until the minimum temperature is reached). Aphids should be present in small numbers, (remember if the infestation is very heavy then spray with SB Invigorator first to reduce numbers and then introduce Aphidius and/or Aphidoletes. A number of commonly used sprays such as Tumblebug are harmful for up to 10 weeks. If you have used a spray and are not sure if it safe to introduce biological control then call our helpline - Jon on 01394 420087 for advice or Email us - jon@greengardener.co.uk SB Plant Invigorator - This natural spray is going to be of great help to the green gardener as it not only controls a range of pests in a safe and effective way, but it also controls fungal diseases and contains a foliar feed. Available as a 500ml ready to use spray, as a 250ml concentrate (makes 25 litres of spray) or NEW for 2008, as a 1 litre super concentrate (makes 500 litres) for use in your own sprayer. SB Plant Invigorator should be in your store cupboard ready to :-  Control pests during the winter and spring when it is too cold to use beneficial insects (i.e. in unheated greenhouses / conservatories). There are no harmful chemical residues left behind, so beneficial insects can be introduced AS SOON as the temperatures are warm enough. Control any pest hotspots ONCE natural controls have been introduced. Use SB Plant Invigorator to target any pest hotspots. It will not harm beneficial insects once they have been introduced. Use for a pest emergency - been away or not noticed a rapid build up of pests such as red spider mite or greenfly? - use SB Plant Invigorator to get control BEFORE introducing beneficial insects. SB Plant Invigorator is brilliant at clearing heavy infestations BEFORE introducing a natural control. Here the spray has been applied twice at 2 week intervals to kill a heavy infestation of mealy bug before introducing cryptolaemus. The first spraying removes the protective wax from the pest, which normally makes it so difficult to control and then the subsequent spray 2 weeks later kills the pest. As no harmful chemical residues are left behind, the cryptolameus were immediately introduced to give on-going pest control. Left : A heavy infestation of mealy bug Right : The mealy bug is dead after just 2 sprays. Special Offer - Emergency Aphid Pest Pack - "Help the aphids are out of control. What should I do?" Use our Emergency aphid pest pack containing 250ml of SB Plant Invigorator & a mixed pack of aphidius and aphidoletes. Spray with SB Invigorator for 2 weeks. Introduce the aphidius and aphidoletes to establish a breeding colony for long term control. The mixed pack will be sent automatically 14 days after the invigoratior. Emergency Aphid Pest Pack £34.50 PRODUCTS AVAILABLE NAME DESCRIPTION PRICE ADD Aphidoletes For large colonies of Aphids on a few plants. Aphidoletes Half Course (one intro. of 250.) £11.50 Aphidoletes Full Course (two intros. 14 days apart). £21.95 Aphidoletes Economy pack (over 1000 Aphidoletes). £32.50 Aphidius For small numbers of Aphids spread throughout the plants. Aphidius Half Course (one intro. of 250.) £11.50 Aphidius Full Course (two intros. 14 days apart). £21.95 Aphidius Economy pack (over 1000 Aphidoletes). £32.50 Mixed Pack - controls a wide range of Aphids. 250 Aphidoletes plus 250 Aphidius save £1.00. £22.00 Emergency Aphid Pest Pack 250ml SB Invigorator & a mixed pack of aphidius & aphidoletes. £34.50 SB Plant Invigorator 1 x 500ml ready to use spray £9.99 1 x 250ml concentrate makes 25 litres of spray £12.50 NEW - 1 x 1 litre super concentrate makes 500 litres - equivalent to 20 x 250ml bottles saving ALOT! £49.99 Need a sprayer? We have a wide range of sprayers to suit any garden. To find out more CLICK HERE