BeneficialCabbage aphid
Green lacewing for cabbage aphid
Chrysoperla carnea · green lacewing larvae
Against cabbage aphid
UMass notes that lacewing larvae survive better than eggs and should be spread well apart because they are cannibalistic. Above 95 °F lacewings leave a tunnel, while one Purdue report cited by UMass had adults still laying at 52 °F, which suits the cool-season timing of cabbage aphid outbreaks.
Rate2–20 /m² per release, weekly
TimingOn established colonies; release larvae rather than eggs
Temperature20–28 °C best; works above a 12 °C average
macro · green lacewing on cabbage aphid
The pestCabbage aphidBrevicoryne brassicaeDense grey waxy colonies; curled, yellowed leaves; contaminated heads and sproutsFull pest profile →Before you order
Larvae released onto aphid hot spots and other soft-bodied pests; the adults do not hunt and most fly off. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Chrysoperla carnea profile.
Release calculator
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Will it survive my spray?
Pesticide sensitivity
Check anything applied in the last month before releasing. Check a product →
Other controls for cabbage aphid
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — plant alyssum, dill, cilantro or Ammi majus near the brassicas
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release in the open garden — conserve the ones already there
- Aphidoletes aphidimyzaPredatory midge · 1–10 /m² per release, weekly
- Cabbage aphid parasitoidWild parasitoid wasp · Wild — grow Ammi majus and other flowers near the brassicas