Home ​​​​>​​​​ Knowledge Center​​​​

Predatory bugs as a natural enemy

The predatory bug is the natural enemy of thrips and spider mite and can therefore be used as a biological agent. Predatory bugs has different stages: egg, larvae (nymphs), adult (adults). Eggs are often laid in the tissue of leaves, after which they hatch as larvae. Predatory bugs suck out the prey - including the egg, the larvae or the pop – by use of their typical snout. In the glass horticulture different kinds of predatory bugs are used for the biological control of pests.
Predatory bug
Kevin van Kester
Specialist Quality Controller | August 13, 2022 | 4 min. reading time

Types of predatory bugs

  • Macrolophus pygmaeus: this bug has a clear preference for white fly (both eggs and larvae and pupas), but will also eat spider mite, moths’ eggs and to a lesser extent the aphid and larvae of the leaf miner.
  • Orius laevigatus: is used to control thrips, spider mites and moths’ eggs. Particularly in pollen containing vegetable crops Orius laevigatus can strongly develop.
  • Orius majusculus: this predatory bug is a proven thrips predator. Especially in pollen containing vegetable crops, Orius majusculus can strongly develop. In addition to thrips (both adult and larvae) the predatory bugs’ menu also include spider mite and moth eggs.
The video above shows how the Orius can be used to control thrips.  
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Kevin van Kester will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.

Predatory bugs as a natural enemy

The predatory bug is the natural enemy of thrips and spider mite and can therefore be used as a biological agent. Predatory bugs has different stages: egg, larvae (nymphs), adult (adults). Eggs are often laid in the tissue of leaves, after which they hatch as larvae. Predatory bugs suck out the prey - including the egg, the larvae or the pop – by use of their typical snout. In the glass horticulture different kinds of predatory bugs are used for the biological control of pests.
Search in the Knowledge Center
​​​​​​​​Find answers to your question in our Knowledge Center. 600+ articles, written by our specialists.​​​​
Kevin van Kester
Kevin van Kester
Specialist Quality Controller | August 13, 2022 | 4 min. reading time
Share this article
Predatory bug

Types of predatory bugs

  • Macrolophus pygmaeus: this bug has a clear preference for white fly (both eggs and larvae and pupas), but will also eat spider mite, moths’ eggs and to a lesser extent the aphid and larvae of the leaf miner.
  • Orius laevigatus: is used to control thrips, spider mites and moths’ eggs. Particularly in pollen containing vegetable crops Orius laevigatus can strongly develop.
  • Orius majusculus: this predatory bug is a proven thrips predator. Especially in pollen containing vegetable crops, Orius majusculus can strongly develop. In addition to thrips (both adult and larvae) the predatory bugs’ menu also include spider mite and moth eggs.
The video above shows how the Orius can be used to control thrips.  
Contact form
Can't find your answer? Fill out the contact form and our specialist Kevin van Kester will get back to you. On weekdays, even within 24 hours.
Kevin van Kester
Also interesting for you
Tips on how to detect, monitor and trap pests
The importance of detecting and identifying pests in time cannot be underestimated. By monitoring developments as they unfold on sticky trap rolls and/or trap sheets.
What are bio stimulants?
Bio stimulants have experienced significant growth over the last few years. These products are of natural origins, making them fit in better with an integrated crop protection system.
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are chemical aromatics that are subconsciously excreted by people and animals with the aim to pass on ‘assignments’ to another creature of the same species.