Orius insidiosus
Stop Adult Thrips: The "Minute Pirate Bug" Solution
Mites only eat the babies. Orius eats the adults. If you see thrips flying or crawling on your flowers, predatory mites aren’t enough. Orius insidiosus (the Minute Pirate Bug) is the industry standard for aggressive, natural thrips control. While other biologicals wait for eggs to hatch, Orius hunts down the adults on contact.
Why Orius is the "Heavy Hitter" of Biological Control
Most growers fail because they use Neoseiulus cucumeris or Amblyseius swirskii for active outbreaks. Those mites are great for prevention, but they cannot kill adult thrips.
The Orius Advantage:
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Full Lifecycle Control: Targets larvae AND winged adults.
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Generalist Predator: Will also hunt aphids, spider mites, and moth eggs.
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Pollen-Friendly: They can survive on pollen, making them perfect for flowering crops (Cannabis, Peppers, Ornamentals).
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Aggressive Hunters: One Orius can kill up to 30 thrips per day.
Targeted Pests & Performance
| Pest | Life Stages Targeted | Impact Level |
| Thrips | Adults & Larvae | Primary Target |
| Aphids | Adults & Juveniles | High |
| Spider Mites | All stages | Opportunistic |
| Moth Eggs | Eggs | Supplemental |
Application Rates & Setup
For best results in Integrated Pest Management (IPM), release at the first sign of adult "silvering" on leaves.
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Preventative: 1 Orius per 10 sq. ft.
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Active Outbreak: 5–10 Orius per 10 sq. ft. (Repeat every 2 weeks).
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Commercial Greenhouses: 2,000–4,000 per acre depending on crop density.
Pro Tip: Orius are light-sensitive. Release them in the early morning or late evening to ensure they settle into the canopy rather than flying toward greenhouse lights or windows.
Technical Specifications (Ideal Environment)
To maximize your ROI, ensure your grow room meets these parameters:
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Temperature: 68°F – 90°F (20°C – 32°C)
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Humidity: 60% – 80% RH
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Photoperiod: Requires at least 12 hours of light to remain active (avoids reproductive diapause).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Orius with predatory mites?
Yes. Combining Orius with Amblyseius swirskii creates a "pincer maneuver," where mites handle the soil/leaf larvae and Orius handles the mobile adults.
How long does it take to see results?
You will see active hunting within 24 hours. A full population takes 2–3 weeks to establish through egg-laying.
Is it safe for organic gardening?
Absolutely. Orius insidiosus is a 100% organic biological control, safe for pets, humans, and pollinators.
Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee
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Live Delivery: We guarantee your predators arrive alive and hungry.
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Storage: Use immediately. If necessary, store at 45°F – 55°F for no more than 24 hours. Do not refrigerate.