The Aphid parasite is a 2-3 mm long wasp that can be deadly for aphids. The female wasp can sense the distress of an infected plant, making aphids an easy target. The parasitic wasp paralyzes its enemy and then hatches a single egg inside of the pest's body.
When the egg reaches the larva stage, it forms a cocoon that mummifies the aphid's body. The body can take up to 10 days to complete the mummification process. While the larva continues to grow inside, it feeds on the aphid eventually killing it.
Once the larva has grown into an adult, it will escape the mummified body by chewing an exit hole through the skin. The newly emerged adult wasp will then move on to find it's next target.
After the Aphid parasite has killed the harmful infestation, any remaining aphid insects in the area will give off a pheromone that alerts others to danger, often falling to their death as a result of the distress.
Aphid parasites are perfect for both greenhouses and gardens because one female can lay up to 300 eggs within their 2-3 week lifespan.
For gardeners who wish to use the parasitic wasps as a natural repellent against harmful aphid insects, the parasite species is best for aphids generally found on tomatoes, peppers, and cucumber plants.
For greenhouse owners, aphid parasites adapt easily to indoors and will generally continue to reproduce through the growing season without the need for additional applications.
