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General Pest Control In Gardens, Fields, Orchards and Greenhouses.
The Leafhopper Assassin Bug, Zelus renardii is a hardworking ambush predator and excellent addition to any growing area. Contrary to what their common name suggests, they are generalist predators that feed on a variety of small to medium sized plant pests including aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars, thrips and more.
Assassin Bugs begin feeding immediately after hatching, however, they cannot actively hunt prey until they reach 2nd instar. As they mature, they produce resin on their legs that allows them to trap prey and feed as they move. They kill prey by piercing with their rostrum (beak) and injecting a digestive enzyme. This allows Assassin Bugs to rapidly kill prey that is much larger than they are.
Life Cycle: Assassin Bugs live approximately 2 months, which allows them to provide ongoing pest control in the release area. It can take up to 10 days for eggs to hatch, so take that into account when planning your Integrated Pest Management program. Assassin Bugs begin feeding as soon as they emerge. Once they reach 2nd instar, they will actively hunt for prey and continue to do so as they mature into adulthood. With adequate food supplies and a suitable environment, they may lay eggs and reproduce in the growing area. They are likely to stay in the treatment area until their food sources have diminished making them a suitable alternative to ladybugs in warmer climates.
Note: Assassin Bugs molt multiple times as they grow. The shed skins may resemble dead Assassin Bugs, but are not evidence of noticeable die off. Check the release area for live assassin bugs periodically and contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Temperature Considerations: Zelus renardii is tolerant to adverse temperature/humidity levels and has shown effectiveness in hot climates. Temperature and humidity have not been shown to inhibit colony establishment or feeding.
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Related Information:
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Soft-bodied pests including leafhoppers, aphids, 1st and 2nd in-star caterpillars, mealybug, thrips, whitefly and various mite species.
Assassin Bugs should not be used alone for infestations of spider mites. They are excellent when used in combination with other mite predators suitable to the growing environment.
General Releases: Once Assassin Bugs begin emerging remove the eggs from the container and hang or place egg clusters within foliage in areas with high pest populations. Release preventatively or at the first sign of an infestation. Eggs usually hatch within one week of receipt.
If they arrive hatching, gently tap hatched Assassin Bugs onto foliage or nearby areas. Follow steps above for placing unhatched egg cases.
Row Crop Releases: Once Assassin Bugs begin emerging place egg clusters on both ends of each row and one in the center of each row.
Heavy Infestations: In the presence of high pest pressure release 500-1,000 eggs weekly in no more than 2,000 square feet. Wait for Assassin Bugs to begin emerging prior to release. Release 5,000-10,000 eggs per acre every other week after initial releases to supplement the predator population through the growing season.
Free 2nd Day Shipping. There is a $20 fee to upgrade to Overnight shipping. Assassin Bugs are shipped as eggs. Egg clusters are attached to small pieces of cardboard packaged in plastic containers.
Cannot Be Shipped To: AK,HI,GU,PR,VI
What's In The Package: Assassin Bugs are shipped as egg clusters attached to light weight cardboard. They may arrive hatched out, particularly in the summer months when warm temperatures in transit accelerate the hatching process. If this occurs, release as soon as possible into a growing area.
Reviews
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Assassin vs. Whitefly
May 16, 2022 | By Margeaux Mernick
THEY ARE THE BEST
May 2, 2022 | By Greg
The Comfort Feeling
Mar 30, 2022 | By Mary
Highly recommend!
Dec 4, 2020 | By Scott Lovitt PharmD.
Only thing controlling caterpillars
Nov 11, 2020 | By Kirsten Love
Garten Crew Leader
Nov 2, 2020 | By Markus Wullimann
Owner Response: Thank you for your feedback Markus. We have reached out to customer service and noted your accounts to confirm we have everything set up correctly.
Assassin bugs
Oct 30, 2020 | By Fran Thompson
Assassin bugs
Sep 17, 2020 | By Ethan
Owner Response: Hi Ethan,
Thank you for your feedback. Our live delivery guarantee covers insects that have arrived DOA. Because the Assassin Bugs molt (like spiders), there are often dead looking parts in the container. Please contact customer service if you would like to discuss more at customercare@arbico.com.
Exactly what my garden needed
Sep 13, 2020 | By Kortney
Assassin Bugs
Jul 25, 2020 | By gary Jamison
Healthy
Jul 24, 2020 | By Tina
Assasin bugs suppress brown tail moth catepillars
Jul 8, 2020 | By Dorothy
bugs
Jul 2, 2020 | By Arax Krahling
Assassin bugs
Jul 1, 2020 | By Chikae Ishikawa
Owner Response: Hello Chikae,
If you ever see viability issues on arrival, please contact us as soon as possible. We will likely request a photo of what you are seeing, but we can reship or refund you when issues arise.
We love these little guys!
Jun 24, 2020 | By Cher
Thrilled with the results.
Jun 13, 2020 | By Rebecca Barocas
Devoured by ants within minutes
Jun 11, 2020 | By Jake
Not great
Jun 9, 2020 | By Eric Harryman
Great Product
May 31, 2020 | By RF
Great
May 21, 2020 | By Nick laurita
Great product.
Apr 11, 2020 | By Karl McCament
Great Product
Mar 31, 2020 | By Adam Salcedo
assasin bugs
Mar 29, 2020 | By george doby
Assassin bugs
Mar 27, 2020 | By Roger Westover
Assassin bugs
Feb 11, 2020 | By Joanne Stick
Assassin Bugs
Dec 12, 2019 | By Al
Seems effective on seed bugs(true bug)
Sep 27, 2019 | By Jason
Best!
Jul 21, 2019 | By Rob Tialavea
Bug
Jul 6, 2019 | By Jack Fleming
Assign bugs
Jun 26, 2019 | By Alan timan
Owner Response: Hi Alan,
It can take up to 2 months for hatched assassin bugs to reach adulthood. Prior to that, they remain quite small and harder to spot. If you have concerns about viability, you can call us at 1-800-827-2847.
Alive and well
May 14, 2019 | By Demetri Vlachos
Cultivation Manager
Apr 9, 2018 | By Serge Manna
Owner Response: Thanks for the positive feedback! We are working to make them available as soon as possible.