Trichogramma platneri – Beneficial Wasps for Caterpillar Egg Control

Target Caterpillar Pests Before They Hatch

Trichogramma platneri are tiny beneficial parasitic wasps that target the eggs of susceptible moth pests. By laying their eggs inside pest eggs, they help interrupt the life cycle before damaging caterpillars emerge and begin feeding.

Use these egg parasitoids as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in gardens, orchards, nurseries, and other growing environments. Timing matters: releases should coincide with moth activity and the presence of suitable pest eggs. They do not directly control caterpillars that have already hatched.

Target Pests

Supported targets include codling moth, diamondback moth, western avocado leafroller, budworm, bud moth, hemlock looper, and cranberry fireworm. Match the beneficial species to the pest you are managing.

Release Rates and Timing

• General release: 1–2 wasps per square foot, weekly during moth flight.
• Acreage applications: 50,000–100,000 wasps per acre, weekly during moth flight.
• Follow the instructions supplied with your product for handling and release.

Using Release Cards

• Distribute hanging sections evenly throughout the target area as emergence begins.
• Release in the early morning or evening, placing cards out of direct sunlight and protected from rain.
• Protect cards from ants, which can consume the parasitized eggs before the wasps emerge.

Available Formats

• TPLL: 8 oz cup containing 100,000 pupae.
• TPLH: Card containing 100,000 pupae.