These parasitoids work by laying eggs in the eggs of many Lepidopteran spp. (moths and butterflies). These tiny wasps can parasitize over 150 species of moth eggs. Because these parasitoids are supplied on perforated cards into squares, even distribution is a sure thing.

Do not store the emerged adult wasps for more than 4 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 55-65°F. Do not cold store the wasps’ pupae for more than three days. Hold at a slight humidity of 45-50F.°

To obtain an even distribution in the target area, cut each card into 30 hanging tags. Flip the card over (egg side down) and cut with scissors along the perforated lines; do not tear.

If emergence has already begun, place the hanging tags as evenly throughout the target area. Emergence can be seen as tiny brown dots moving around (a magnifying glass may be helpful). Distribute the hanging tags in the evening or the early morning hours.

Try to place them in a location shaded from the sun and protected from the rain.

Ant control is an essential part of any biological pest control program. They often attack the beneficial insects while they are still developing. For this reason, it is best to distribute the hanging tags after the emergence of the Trichogramma has started.

Seeing TRICHOforce™ Mix at work usually is out of the question. They’re just too small and quick. If you can find the moth eggs, you may be able to determine if they have exit holes from the wasps. The only other indicator is fewer caterpillars upon their hatch and minor damage noticed shortly afterward.

Timing is critical to ensure host eggs are available for parasitism.

The one downfall of these parasitoids is ants; they love Trichogramma eggs and will rob them from the squares they are shipped on. Therefore, creativity is sometimes necessary:

• Stapling the squares to leaves.
• Attaching them to a tree trunk.
• Surrounding the small area with a sticky barrier product may help ward off the ants.

Another option is to pre-emerge the eggs by allowing the cards to remain in the bags they’re shipped in and wait for emergence, checking the bags at least once daily. When the first sign of emerging parasitoids is evident, hang the cards and shake out the wasps in the bags. This will reduce the amount of time the eggs on the cards are exposed and threatened by marauding ants.

We guarantee live delivery and ask that you report any problem within 24 hours. Please do not discard the product. You may be asked to return the shipment for further analysis.