Trichogramma wasps for cabbage looper
Looper eggs are a suitable host. In a 2015 laboratory study, T. pretiosum parasitised looper eggs best at 20–25 °C, somewhat less at 30 °C and far less at 15 °C, and developed in nine days at 25 °C. Suppliers sell T. minutum for cabbage looper and T. brassicae for cole crops. UC IPM counts T. pretiosum among the natural enemies that usually keep loopers below damaging levels, as long as broad-spectrum insecticides are avoided. Bt is compatible with the wasps and covers any larvae that do hatch.
Before you order
Released weekly from cards while moths are flying and laying; the wasps kill the eggs before a caterpillar hatches. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Trichogramma spp. profile.
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for cabbage looper
- Bacillus thuringiensis kurstakiMicrobial insecticide · Label rate — Thuricide 2–4 tsp per gallon for cabbage looper
- Tachinid fliesWild parasitoid · Wild — keep nectar plants near the crop, no broad-spectrum sprays
- Paper waspsWild predator (stings) · Wild — tolerate nests away from doors and paths