Tamarixia radiata and the Asian citrus psyllid
In California, CDFA rears Tamarixia radiata and releases it in residential citrus where the psyllid is known, and also around HLB finds, along major highways and along the Mexico border; the program has released more than 34 million across California since 2012. A female kills up to 500 nymphs in her life. Where it has established, parasitism can reach 70%, but a 2012–2014 study of Southern California yards averaged under 5%, and UC IPM says it has not halted the spread of HLB. Your part: control Argentine ants on the trunk, don't spray broad-spectrum insecticides, leave brown mummies on the leaves, report the psyllid, and never move citrus plants or clippings.
Before you act
A stingless wasp about 1 mm long that lays its egg under older Asian citrus psyllid nymphs and turns them into brown, crusty mummies with an exit hole. In California the state rears and releases it; no source describes a way for homeowners to buy it. Protect it by controlling ants and not spraying. How to recognise it, what it is confused with and how to keep it around are on the full Tamarixia wasp profile.
Other controls for asian citrus psyllid
- LadybugsWild predator · Nothing to release — conserve the ones already there and keep ants off the tree
- HoverfliesWild predator (larvae) · Wild — attract adults with open flowers
- Garden spidersWild generalist predator · wild, attract it