Aphid predatory midge for melon aphid
UC IPM's greenhouse and nursery aphid guidelines call the gall midge commonly released and well demonstrated to work when properly used, and Koppert lists it against all aphid species. Pair it with Aphidius colemani: the midge lays only where aphids already are, so it is the choice for colonies that are already large. Melon aphids occur throughout the plant and are easily missed on the undersides of lower leaves, so check there and release on moist media beside the colonies.
Before you order
Released onto established aphid colonies; the orange larvae kill more than 60 aphid species. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Aphidoletes aphidimyza profile.
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for melon aphid
- Aphidius colemaniParasitoid wasp · 0.25–4 /m² per release, at least three releases
- Chrysoperla carneaGreen lacewing larvae · 2–20 /m² per release, weekly
- Braconid waspsWild parasitoid · Wild — conserve; do not buy
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — attract adults with open flowers
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release — conserve the ones already there