Predatory bug: Orius laevigatus

If you are looking for a natural way to control thrips, Orius laevigatus could be the answer. This small predator is effective against a wide range of common pests, including aphids, thrips and whiteflies. Read on to learn more about how Orius laevigatus works and its benefits.

What is the predatory bug Orius laevigatus?

Orius laevigatus is a small, predatory insect that feeds on various soft-bodied pests such as thrips, spider mites and moths. This predatory bug is often used as a biological control agent in greenhouses and gardens to naturally control pest populations. Orius laevigatus is native to Europe and was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.

How does the predatory bug Orius Laevigatus work?

Orius laevigatus is a small, predatory insect that feeds on a variety of common garden and greenhouse pests, including thrips, spider mites, white fly, aphids and moths. The adult bugs are about 3 millimetres long, with a mottled brown and white pattern on their wings. They have piercing, sucking mouthparts with which they pierce the exoskeleton of their prey and suck out the contents.

Damage caused to houseplant by thrips

The young predatory bugs

Nymphs (young predatory bugs) are smaller than the adults, but otherwise look the same. They moult 5 times (shedding their exoskeleton as they grow) before becoming adults. Females lay eggs singly or in groups on leaves or other plant surfaces near potential prey insects.

When the eggs hatch, the nymphs immediately start searching for food. During their development, they can eat up to 60 thrips a day. When they become adults, they can live for several months and eat up to 200 trips during that period!

The total development time from egg to adult will take about 20 days at a temperature of between 20 and 25°C. If there is a lower temperature in the enclosure, the reproduction of the predatory bug will take longer. The brown-coloured adult predatory bugs have fully developed wings, making them very mobile.

The advantages of using Orius Laevigatus

If you are looking for a safe, effective and environmentally friendly way to get rid of pests, the predatory bug Orius laevigatus is the perfect solution. This natural predator is native to Europe and Asia, and has been used for centuries to control a variety of pests.

There are many reasons why Orius laevigatus is such an effective pest control method. 

• First, he is a very specific predator, meaning he only attacks and kills certain types of pests. For example, he does not harm beneficial insects such as bees or ladybirds. 
• Second, Orius laevigatus is very efficient at killing pests, with a success rate of over 90%. 
• Third, this method of pest control is completely safe for humans and animals. 
• Fourth and last, using Orius laevigatus is an eco-friendly way to get rid of pests, as no harmful chemicals or pesticides are used.

In short, there are many reasons why Orius laevigatus is the best solution to get rid of thrips in particular. The predatory bug is a proven thrips-fighter. Especially in pollen-containing vegetable crops, Orius can thrive and make your greenhouse, garden or room thrips-free.