Aphidius colemani is very suited for preventive control. primarily the green peach aphid, cotton aphid, tobacco aphid and closely related species. This species occurs naturally outdoors and frequently parasitizes aphids in green houses. Aphidius is a good searcher, and can locate new aphid colonies when aphid populations are low. The Aphidius colemani is used for cucumbers, melon, squash, sweet peppers, tomatoes, potted flowers, bedding plants and trees and shrubs.

Aphidius is a small parasitic wasp, native to North America. About 100 eggs are laid in aphids which the larvae subseqently develop. At 77 degrees F, 10 days are required from egg to adult for Aphidius. At 70 degrees F, two weeks are required from development on the parisite. Up to 200-300 aphids are attacked be each female. Fertilized eggs develop into females, nonfertilized eggs develop into males. There are usually twice as many females as males.

Aphidius is shipped as parasitized aphid mummies from which adults will emerge, or as newly emerged adults. Apply 500 to 3,000 Aphidius per acre.