Aphid predatory midge for oleander aphid
In a field study on milkweed, wild aphid midges moved into oleander aphid colonies, and the rate at which the aphids declined tracked midge, lacewing and hoverfly numbers. On milkweed grown for monarchs this is the kind of control to protect: in a University of Florida study, insecticides used against the aphid killed monarch caterpillars for up to four weeks. Leave the tiny orange larvae in the colonies, and prune or hose off only the worst of the aphids.
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 oleander aphid
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — plant a mix of flowers near the milkweed
- Braconid waspsWild parasitoid · Wild — conserve; do not buy
- LadybugsWild predator · wild, attract it
- Chrysoperla carneaGreen lacewing larvae · 2–20 /m² per release, weekly