Associates Insectary

At Associates Insectary, we are a grower-owned cooperative dedicated to providing our grower-members with premium quality Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services. Founded in 1928, we are the oldest commercial insectary in the United States, with a rich history of pioneering sustainable pest management practices.

Our Mission

At Associates Insectary, our mission is to provide top-notch IPM services to our grower-members, utilizing beneficial insects and mites to control pests in citrus and avocado groves, vineyards, and commercial greenhouses. Our sole motivation is to deliver high-quality beneficial insects and pest control services to our grower-members, with no profit-driven agenda.

Our Services

We offer a range of services, including:

• Pest Control Advisers: Our highly experienced staff of licensed Pest Control Advisors (PCAs) provides expert advice and guidance to our grower-members on effective pest management strategies.
• Beneficial Releases: We raise and release beneficial insects and mites, including the Mealybug Destroyer beetle, Aphytis melinus, and the predatory mite, N. californicus, to control pests in our grower-members' groves, vineyards, and greenhouses.
• Spray Applications: Our team partners with university researchers to develop and apply custom-made pest control programs, using specialized equipment to ensure targeted and effective pest control.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): We provide integrated pest management strategies, combining physical, cultural, biological, and chemical controls to manage pests in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Our Products

Our product range includes:

• Mealybug Destroyer Beetles: We are the sole producer of the Mealybug Destroyer beetle in North America, used to control various species of mealybugs.
• Aphytis melinus: We are a major producer of Aphytis melinus, a parasitoid wasp that attacks scale pests.
• N. californicus: We raise and release the predatory mite N. californicus to control pest mites.

Our History

Founded in 1928, Associates Insectary has been at the forefront of sustainable pest management for generations. Initially established to raise the Cryptolaemus beetle to control the Citrophilus mealybug in Ventura County citrus groves, our organization has since expanded to produce a range of beneficial insects and mites.

Our Team

Our team of expert insect rearing technicians, many with over 20 years of experience, work diligently to raise fresh and highly effective beneficial insects. Our artisan specialists work 7 days a week, 365 days a year to supply our grower-members and commercial users.

Contact Us

Please note that we do not provide contact information on this page.