Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Biological Pest Control Solutions
Associates Insectary has been pioneering sustainable pest management solutions since 1928, establishing itself as the oldest commercial insectary in the United States. Our expertise lies in producing and distributing beneficial insects, such as Cryptolaemus beetles and parasitic wasps, to combat agricultural pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. With over 90 years of experience, we provide year-round, high-quality biological control agents to growers worldwide, emphasizing reduced pesticide dependency and environmental stewardship.Our dedicated team of insect-rearing technicians, some with decades of tenure, employs proprietary methods to mass-produce nearly a billion beneficial organisms annually. As the sole North American producer of Mealybug Destroyer beetles, we combine artisanal rearing practices with global logistics to deliver effective, eco-friendly pest control solutions tailored to commercial agricultural needs.
Services
Mealybug Control
Vine Mealybug Control
Spider Mite Control
California Red Scale Control
ACP Predator Solutions
Beneficial Insect Supply
Biological Pest Management
Global Insect Shipping
Integrated Pest Control
Sustainable Agriculture Services
Details
- Year established: 1928
Highlights and features
- We have 90+ years of experience in biological pest control innovation.
- We are the sole North American producer of Mealybug Destroyer beetles.
- Our proprietary rearing methods ensure high-quality, effective beneficial organisms.
- We offer global shipping with expertise in international logistics.
- Our team includes technicians with over 20 years of specialized experience.
Services
Mealybug Control
Our Mealybug Destroyer beetles (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) provide effective biological control for mealybug infestations in citrus, avocado, and greenhouse crops. These natural predators consume all life stages of mealybugs while avoiding disruption from protective ants. With over 90 years of specialized breeding experience, we supply high-viability beetles that establish strong field populations through rapid reproduction, laying 400+ eggs per female.
Vine Mealybug Control
We offer combined solutions using Cryptolaemus beetles and Anagyrus vladimiri wasps for vineyard mealybug management. Our beetles target eggs and early-stage pests, while wasps parasitize later instars, creating a comprehensive control system. This approach reduces reliance on chemical insecticides while maintaining effectiveness even with ant activity, which typically disrupts other biological controls.
Spider Mite Control
Our Neoseiulus californicus predatory mites effectively manage spider mite populations across agricultural and horticultural settings. Hand-raised on natural pest mite diets, these predators maintain strong hunting instincts and survive low-prey conditions. They target multiple mite species including two-spotted, Pacific, and Lewis mites while demonstrating adaptability to various crop environments.
California Red Scale Control
We supply Aphytis melinus parasitic wasps for armored scale management in citrus and ornamental plants. These tiny wasps specifically target California red scale and related species by laying eggs beneath protective shells. With development cycles matching pest biology, our wasps provide sustained population control through 6-8 daily eggs per female, emerging to continue the parasitism cycle every 14 days.
Beneficial Insect Supply
We maintain year-round availability of multiple biological control agents, including specialized predators for emerging threats like Asian citrus psyllid. Our production facilities ensure consistent quality through labor-intensive rearing practices that preserve natural hunting behaviors. With global shipping capabilities, we deliver tailored beneficial insect solutions for diverse agricultural challenges.
Questions
What biological pest control solutions do you specialize in?
We specialize in beneficial insects for agricultural pests including mealybugs, scale insects, and spider mites, with primary offerings being Cryptolaemus beetles, Aphytis wasps, and Neoseiulus californicus mites.
How do your mealybug control solutions work?
Our Mealybug Destroyer beetles consume all life stages of mealybugs while avoiding ant disruption. When combined with Anagyrus wasps, they provide comprehensive control through complementary feeding patterns across pest life cycles.
Can beneficial insects be used in vineyards?
Yes, our vine mealybug control program combines Cryptolaemus beetles and Anagyrus wasps for effective biological management that reduces chemical pesticide dependence while maintaining efficacy in ant-active environments.
How are beneficial insects shipped?
We handle global logistics for overnight delivery of beneficial insects, ensuring proper packaging and timing to maintain viability during transit to locations worldwide.
What agricultural pests do your predatory mites control?
Our Neoseiulus californicus mites control two-spotted mites, Pacific mites, Lewis mites, and Broad mites across field crops, vineyards, and ornamental plant production systems.
Do you offer solutions for citrus pests?
We provide specialized control for citrus pests including California red scale (Aphytis wasps), mealybugs (Cryptolaemus beetles), and Asian citrus psyllid through integrated biological control programs.
