FGMN Nursery
Orius insidiosus
Orius insidiosus
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Dealing With Adult Thrips? Here’s What Actually Works.
Mites can’t touch them. Sprays don’t always work. But if adult thrips are still crawling or flying around your plants, Orius insidiosus is your best option for natural, aggressive control.
Orius insidiosus (Minute Pirate Bug – Adults)
Biological Control for Thrips at Every Stage—Including Adults
Unlike cucumeris or swirskii mites—which only target thrips larvae—Orius insidiosus goes after the entire thrips lifecycle, including the adults. These small, fast-moving predators hunt thrips on contact, pierce them with specialized mouthparts, and feed immediately.
If you need a real solution for an active thrips outbreak, especially in flowering crops, Orius does what other biological controls can’t.
What It Treats
| Pest | Life Stages Targeted |
|---|---|
| Thrips | Adults and larvae |
| Aphids | Adults and juveniles |
| Moth eggs | Multiple species |
| Spider mites | Opportunistic feeding |
| Other soft-bodied pests | Varies based on conditions |
Orius is one of the few predators that pursues and kills adult thrips, making it ideal for fast, visible pest suppression.
Why Orius Works When Mites Don’t
| Feature | Orius insidiosus | Swirskii | Cucumeris |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrips adults | Yes | No | No |
| Thrips larvae | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other pests | Aphids, mites, moth eggs | Whiteflies, broad mites | Thrips larvae only |
| Feeding when pest pressure is low | Yes (pollen, aphids) | Yes (pollen) | Limited |
| Speed of action | Fast | Slower | Preventive only |
| Best for | Active outbreaks and flowering crops | Warm, mixed-pest prevention | Mild, early-stage thrips |
How It Works
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Day 0: Adults begin hunting on release
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Days 3–5: Females lay eggs near pest clusters
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Day 7: Eggs hatch into fast-feeding nymphs
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Weeks 2–3: Nymphs mature into new adults
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Under ideal conditions, you’ll get 6–7 weeks of continuous pest pressure
How Much to Use
| Setup | Application Rate |
|---|---|
| Small-scale setups | 1 Orius per 10 square feet |
| Greenhouses or flowering crops | 2,000–4,000 Orius per acre |
| High-pressure infestations | Increase rate and reapply every 10–14 days |
Apply early for best results. Orius is most effective when released at the first sign of adult thrips.
Best Conditions for Orius
| Condition | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 68–90°F |
| Humidity | Moderate |
| Crop type | Especially effective in flowering plants and pollen-rich environments |
| Application timing | Early morning or late afternoon (avoid midday heat) |
Orius performs best when pollen is available—it increases reproduction and persistence between pest meals.
Application Tips
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Release evenly across infested areas
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Avoid foliar sprays before or after application
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Combine with Swirskii or Cucumeris for full lifecycle control
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Flowering plants help Orius reproduce and persist
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Release early for faster suppression and better egg-laying
Safe for Everything But the Pests
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Non-toxic
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Safe for use around people, pets, and pollinators
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No re-entry interval required
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Zero residue
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Fully compatible with IPM and organic systems
Shipping and Storage
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Ships with live delivery guarantee
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Use immediately upon arrival for best results
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If delayed, store at 45–55°F for up to 24 hours
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Do not freeze or expose to heat
We offer fast and free shipping on most orders over $75 and $8.99 under $75. Orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days and delivered within 3-5 business days unless specified. Expedited shipping options and all pricing options are available at checkout if applicable.
We accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Items must be unused and in original packaging. To initiate a return, please contact our customer service team. Refunds will be processed within 5-7 business days after we receive your return.
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