Orius insidiosus, commonly known as the minute pirate bug, is a fast-moving, highly aggressive generalist predator known for its effectiveness in controlling thrips and other soft-bodied pests. According to Anesia Jackson, Technical Sales Representative at BioBee USA, Orius has become very important in biocontrol strategies across ornamental and vegetable cropping systems.
"Orius is incredibly versatile and aggressive," she explains. "I've used it successfully in greenhouse-grown peppers and ornamentals, particularly in managing persistent thrips pressure."
Fast action against thrips
Orius has the ability to rapidly reduce pest populations. Anesia recalls a recent case in a pepper greenhouse where the pest pressure from Frankliniella occidentalis, commonly known as western flower thrips, was becoming unmanageable.
"We introduced adult Orius alongside Amblyseius swirskii sachets, and within just a few weeks, scouting confirmed a sharp decline in thrips numbers. The foliage looked visibly healthier, and we saw the bugs moving actively throughout the canopy and flowers," she says.
This predator is particularly effective in flower-rich crops where thrips often congregate. Their ability to access all parts of the plant, including flowers and growing tips, gives them an edge in scouting and suppressing pest populations.
Targeting the right life stages
While Orius will opportunistically feed on adult thrips, their primary targets are the first and second instar larvae which are the developmental stages most vulnerable to predation.
"Their piercing-sucking mouthparts are highly efficient. They extract the internal fluids of their prey quickly and are capable of what we call 'surplus killing', which means they eliminate more pests than they consume. This is a major advantage when you're dealing with a sudden outbreak," Anesia notes.
This surplus killing behavior ensures that Orius can suppress pest populations before they spiral out of control, acting as a front-line defense in greenhouses and protected cropping systems.
Sustaining populations in the greenhouse
Because of their predatory nature, Orius populations can fluctuate depending on prey availability. Regular reintroduction is often necessary to maintain consistent pressure, but certain conditions can help prolong their presence.
"They're highly responsive to pollen availability. If you've got floral resources and low pest pressure, their populations can sustain themselves longer than expected," Anesia shares. "Supplemental feeding with products like Artemia also helps to keep them going between pest cycles."
This adaptability makes Orius a flexible and reliable component of long-term biological programs, especially when integrated with other control agents and cultural practices.
Banker plants: A living resource
To further enhance Orius persistence, Jackson recommends incorporating banker plants, specifically ornamental peppers such as 'Purple Flash' and 'Red Missile', as well as Sweet Alyssum.
"These plants provide both pollen and shelter. They support the foraging behavior of Orius and help them stay active even when pest numbers are low," she explains. "Incorporating these banker plants adds resilience and stability to your biological program."
The strategy of using living plants to support predator populations is gaining traction among IPM practitioners, and Anesia sees it as a critical tool for reducing pesticide reliance while promoting natural pest control.
Grounded in research and experience
Her confidence in Orius is rooted in hands-on experience and academic research. Anesia's journey with this predator began while working at a commercial growing facility, where she helped implement biocontrol programs in ornamentals. Later, during her graduate research in entomology at the University of Florida, she deepened her understanding of insect behavior and pest dynamics.
"Since joining BioBee USA, I've continued integrating Orius into customized IPM strategies for growers across Florida. Their speed, adaptability, and multi-pest control capabilities make them one of the most reliable biological tools we have," she says.
Anesia focused much of her academic work on cannabis systems, with a strong interest in sustainable cultivation, plant health, and integrated pest management. Now, through her role at BioBee USA, she shares that she has the opportunity to support cannabis growers by developing and implementing biological control programs that enhance plant resilience, reduce pesticide use, and improve overall production outcomes.
Source: www.floraldaily.com