Biological controls.

[missrachael]

Hey all, as an outdoor grower in SE Victoria I deal with pests every year to varying degrees but this season I have very little damage from creep crawlies.

Caterpillars are a constant worry. I started ordering Lacewing eggs from Bugs for Bugs late last season but only after an initial infestation. I did think they helped but was difficult to really tell thanks to the damage already done. This season I ordered early in flowering and then twice more. The results are amazing. Almost zero damage this year even though the butterflies have been about. Keen to duplicate this for a few seasons but fingers crossed.

In 2023 an unidentified beetle infested my girls. Lost almost a third of my crop. Finally ID'ed it as the dreaded Carpophilus Beetle (almond and stone fruit pest). Very difficult to kill and/or manage and they can hibernate in the soil for 9 months plus travel a long way. This year I found some in my orchard which is adjacent to my plot. I invested in the Capophilus Capture Pheromone Kit from Bugs for Bugs. Only found one in one of my buds so far, Monitoring the traps I have emptied out hundreds if not thousands of them.

Here's the one I found this year. Hadn't caused any damage thankfully.

 

[Hudo]

I use Bugs For Bugs when I see signs of pests, the lace wing smash spider mites too,

 

[Green Genius]

After a few tests, we find Bugs For Bugs to be very good prevention but a rather poor cure.

Their slow release sachets are probably the best option at the moment. We replace every 4 months regardless of pests.

 

[missrachael]

I use Bugs For Bugs when I see signs of pests, the lace wing smash spider mites too,

Awesome. I'm attempting to be pre emptive as BfB recommends, defo worked out this year. Such a cool way to deal with nasties.

 

[missrachael]

After a few tests, we find Bugs For Bugs to be very good prevention but a rather poor cure.

Their slow release sachets are probably the best option at the moment. We replace every 4 months regardless of pests.

Thanks for that, I might look at slow release next season. Seeing as insects are so weather reactive I wouldn't ever expect to 'cure' the problem, just get better at managing it hopefully and BfB seem to be a great way to do that.

P.S Thanks for sharing your research about drying temps, especially as it wasn't the outcome you or anyone expected. Tough to swallow but well done!

 

[missrachael]

Thanks for that, I might look at slow release next season. Seeing as insects are so weather reactive I wouldn't ever expect to 'cure' the problem, just get better at managing it hopefully and BfB seem to be a great way to do that.

P.S Thanks for sharing your research about drying temps. Tough especially as it wasn't the outcome you had expected. Well done!