Minute pirate bug for chilli thrips
In Florida work, adult O. insidiosus ate more chilli thrips than fifth-instar nymphs and showed a type II functional response, and the authors say it can be used for augmentative release (Adhikary 2025). Field surveys in Florida strawberry found wild pirate bugs present but in low numbers relative to the thrips (Kaur 2024). It takes adult thrips as well as larvae, so it complements the Swirski mite.
Before you order
Released into flowering crops against thrips. It is one of the few predators that takes adult thrips, and it lives on pollen when prey is scarce. It is also a common wild predator outdoors. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Orius insidiosus profile.
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for chilli thrips
- Amblyseius swirskiiPredatory mite · 25–100 /m² per release; 100–300 /m² on hot spots
- Metarhizium brunneum strain F52Microbial — insect-killing fungus · Label rate for the liquid formulation; check the label for foliar use