Mealybug Destroyer, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri

Mealybug Destroyers are predatory ladybird beetles that feed on several species of mealybugs.

Ships Monday-Thursday via Overnight methods. See Shipping Info for more information.

Ships Monday-Thursday. Ships via Overnight methods. See Shipping Info for more information.

These Small, Predatory Beetles Feed On All Mealybug Species As Well As Aphids & Soft Scale!

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri are effective predators for use as a biological control of mealybugs and other soft scale. These fast-feeding, highly mobile ladybird beetles actively seek out mealybugs, consuming upwards of 250 mealybugs in a lifetime. Both larvae and adults are predatory and reduce the need for sprays; thereby, making them versatile tools in integrated pest management and resistance management programs.

Appearance: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri is a small dark brown ladybug with an orange head. Females lay up to 500 eggs during their lifespan. The larvae are up to 13mm long and are white with a wax like covering (similar to mealybugs). The pupae are found in sheltered places; stems, underside of leaves, greenhouse structures.

Preferred Food: The adults and larvae feed on all stages of the mealybugs. These mealybug predators are most effective in severe infestations where food sources are readily available. Young Cryptolaemus larvae prefer mealybug eggs and smaller stages of the mealybug. When no mealybugs are available, they will feed on aphids, immature life stages of scale, mites, thrips, whitefly, and other soft bodied insects.

Optimal Conditions: Cryptolaemus work best in temperatures between 64 – 81° F and relative humidity of 70% or greater. They are ideally suited for greenhouses releases.

Application rates:

5 per infested plant
250 - 2,000 per acre.
First release should be in early spring.

This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Multiple species of Mealybug (Planococcus citri, Pseudococcus sp.) including the Vine Mealybug (Planococcus ficus).

Release Instructions:

Do not be alarmed if they are sluggish when you first open the box. The beetles will revive within 20 minutes when exposed to fresh air and indirect light.
Release Cryptolaemus montrouzieri in the evening or early morning. Avoid releasing in bright sunlight or artificial light.
Light stimulates Cryptolaemus to fly away.

Environment: Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Pond & Environment, Interiorscapes, Container Plants

Storage:

Do not store longer than 1 day.
If not releasing immediately, keep in a place 61°–81° and out of direct sunlight.
Do not refrigerate Cryptolaemus. Refrigeration will harm viability.

Viability Note: If you plan to check for viability, please do so upon receipt and prior to releasing the beneficial insects. Many predators and parasites are small and can be difficult to spot once released. If you believe there are issues with viability, please contact us at 1-800-827-2847 or customercare@arbico.com.

When Will My Order Ship?

Ships Monday-Thursday via Overnight methods.
Orders will be shipped the next available shipping date after processing.
Order processing can take 24-48 hours.

Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW

What's In The Package: Adult Cryptolaemus montrouzieri ladybird beetles.

Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.

Reviews

Write a review

Disappointed

Apr 5, 2022 | By Sherwood

We followed the instructions for the bugs, but they all died within 45 minutes. The destroyers came to life like the instructions said and the rooms were around 75 degrees, but after about 30 min they were all dormant again. Then they died. I don't think this is a poor reflection on the company. Maybe just too far of a journey for the little guys.

Owner Response: In the future, please reach out to customercare@arbico.com within 24-48 after arrival if you have viability issues. We do offer a Live Delivery Guarantee and understand that things can disrupt the bugs in transit.

Great Service

Mar 24, 2022 | By Pamela Bloom

The mealybug destroyers arrived first and were sluggish in the tube, but they went right to work when introduced to the planting areas. We spread them out over several sections of problem plants and what a difference. The hibiscus that we had about given up on are in full recovery within the first week not a single mealy bug left. We have spotted the destroyers over on some planted beds near the potted materials.

Death to Mealy Bugs!

Jul 6, 2020 | By Bobby

I have a 9 feet tall Beaucarnea Recurvata (Ponytail Palm) with three trunks and several new sprouts. I noticed the baby sprouts were infested with nasty mealy bugs. So I ordered these little beauties. They arrived overnight all but two survived, which is quite amazing. They didn't take long to acclimatize and immediately started devouring the pests. Completely worth it. No mealy bugs since.

Healthy and active!

Jun 7, 2020 | By Laurie

Cryptolaemus montrouzieri arrived alive, healthy and ravenous! I placed them on a mealy bug infested plant in the evening and they stayed into the next day. Looking forward to seeing the adults in my garden

Surprisingly efficient in closed rooms!

May 7, 2020 | By Vladimir Kelman

I had heavy infestation by mealybugs last summer, both outside in a garden and on potted citruses. Spraying chemicals didn't help much. At winter I brought citruses into growing tents (zone 7, Maryland) and released mealybug destroyers there. And soon mealybugs disappeared!

Very effective mealybug destroyers

Apr 17, 2020 | By Michelle McLenithan

Have used them twice - once for myself (on indoor dracaena in Maryland) and once sent to my mother (outdoor/screened lanai dracaena and bamboo in Florida). Tented the plants for a couple days after releasing (using netting once and a bedsheet once). After removing the tenting, saw immediate results that continued to improve over time. Very happy with the results. Thank you!

Worked

Jan 21, 2020 | By Sherri Blake

I still see white from where the mealy bugs were but can't find mealy bugs

Awesome Bugs!

Nov 3, 2019 | By Tyler Davis Laudenslager

Great customer service. Bugs arrived live and well with great directions on how to care for them. Will definitely get more when the time comes.

Mealybug Destroyers!

Oct 3, 2019 | By Cecelia

I had a TERRIBLE mealybug infestation in my screened courtyard. I used Neem, Spinosad sprays, and regular ladybugs... all to no avail. I ordered the Mealybug Destroyers and they did the job!! I'm beyond thrilled at the results! I only wish I could order a smaller quantity as the minimum order is really too much for the size of my screened area. Thanks for the treatment that really worked! It was expensive but next time I will use the Mealybug Destroyers first rather than last!

KKGardener

Feb 6, 2018 | By Kathryn Kendall

These little guys work great. I had a very bad mealybug infestation in my greenhouse and these little bugs are really working hard to clean them out. They were all alive and well when they arrived. I like them so much I'm ordering more!

Owner Response: Glad to hear it Kathryn! Thank you for your input!