Root aphids

Root Aphid Control beneficial insects

Hypoaspis Stratiolaelaps scimitus, Steinernema feltiae nematodes and Rove beetles (Dalotia coriaria) in controlling Root aphids.

Detecting the first signs of root aphids, especially when growing indoors, is crucial to saving your plants vegetating and fruiting abilities. At a certain point, usually sooner rather than later, affected plants and containers should be removed from the grow space completely and destroyed.

Waiting for fruits or flowers to mature in an attempt to save something of a crop is not advised. This only gives root aphids a chance to inoculate themselves into your entire grow area. It’s best to start over, sanitizing all containers and growing equipment that’s been used. Indoor growers should clean their entire grow space. Other root aphid treatments, such as predatory nematodes.

Steinernema Feltiae Nematodes 

Are the most effective against larval control of several insect species. They patrol the top 3" layer of the soil. Target pests include: Fungus Gnat, Mushroom Flies, Root Aphids, Fruit Flies, Flea Beetles, Saw Flies, Tachina Flies, Crane Flies, Shore Flies and fruit flies.

Dalotia Atheta (Root beetle) is a soil dwelling rove beetle. It is an effective predator of fungus gnat larvae, root aphids, shore fly eggs, pupating thrips, as well as other small, soft bodied arthropods in and around your rooting system. They are a generalist predator that feeds on a wide range of small insects and mites but is primarily an egg predator. 

Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) is a soil-dwelling mite capable of the prevention, control, and management of sciarid flies, shore flies, root aphids and various thrips and soil pests.



Fungus Gnat and Thrips Control - Hypoaspis miles (Stratiolaelaps scimitus)

Product ID: HP10

Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) is a soil-dwelling mite capable of the prevention, control, and management of sciarid flies, shore flies, root aphids and various thrips and soil pests.
Price:
$48.65
Rove Beetle (Dalotia coriaria)

Product ID: RB10

Dalotia coriaria (Atheta) is a soil dwelling rove beetle. It is an effective predator of fungus gnat larvae, root aphids, shore fly eggs, pupating thrips, as well as other small, soft bodied arthropods in and around your rooting system. They are a generalist predator that feeds on a wide range of small insects and mites but is primarily an egg predator. It is harmless to plants and humans. Dalotia can give excellent control of fungus gnats and shoreflies. Dalotia will also prey on moth flies, root mealy bugs, springtails, cabbage root flies and carrot flies. Results have been impressive when used in conjunction with Stratiolaelaps to help prevent root aphids. They also feed on most other small soil organisms such as moth flies, springtails, and root mealybugs.
Price:
$49.85
Steinernema Feltiae

Product ID: SF11

Steinernema feltiae nematodes are the product of choice when your problems concern more active, shallowly occurring pests of fungus gnat or mushroom fly larvae, root aphids, etc. These nematodes feature a shallowly-present habit like S. carpocapsae, but an intermediate active-hunting “cruising” characteristic which may make them superior to many other species for the purposes specified. In fact, due to their shallow-cruising nature, S. feltiae are said to be the best nematodes for fungus gnat larvae and root aphids They tolerate cold better than the others as well.
Price:
$42.50

Root aphids stay at or above the soil line and are from the family Phylloxera, a near-cousin of aphids. They are an escalating problem, especially among indoor growers, and spreading through parts of the country where they haven’t been seen before. They’re hard to spot and unlike small colonies of green and other aphids found on stems and leaves, root aphids are more likely to get out of control. They can multiply quickly, unseen, and sap enough vigor from your plants to kill them.

Lifecycle

Root aphids are surprisingly adaptable, and their lifecycle can vary tremendously. They reproduce asexually during the growing season. Eggs over-winter in soil or, in warm seasons, are attached to leaves and stems above the root line where they hatch and fall to the ground. The aphid bores into the root, creating scars that leave plants vulnerable to mildew and disease.