How to release MiriLiv (Dicyphus hesperus)

What’s in the MiriLiv bottle?

1. Predator: Orius insidiosus 
2. Carrier: Vermiculite and buckwheat hulls 
3. Food: Bugfeed– sterilized ephestia eggs

How to release Dicyphus hesperus?

• For best results, release as soon as receiving shipment.
• Gently rotate bottle, in a horizontal position, to evenly mix the predators.
• Keep the bottle in the horizontal position and gently shake while rotating. You can release Dicyphus directly on top of the plant canopy or on dry rockwool slabs.
• Avoid pesticides (organic or synthetic) before and after release.
• Avoid top watering or washing plants after release. 

Can you store Dicyphus hesperus?

We recommend releasing the predators immediately upon arrival.

If storage is necessary Dicyphus can be stored for 1 day at room temperature in a dark place. Lay the bottle horizontally and avoid contact with direct sunlight.

How to check the quality of the predators?

When shipment is excessively warm or cool the predators will huddle in the middle of the bottle where temps are regulated. If at first you don’t see any movement, allow the shipment to come to room temperature before conducting a quality check. 

To check gently rotate bottle in a horizontal position. Pour a small sample on a white piece of paper and wait for dicyphus to crawl out from the pile.

How to promote establishment?

Temp/humidity: Optimal conditions for Dicyphus are 26° C with humidity of 60% or more.

Environment: Using a mullein banker plant will ensure the beneficial insects' population is established even if whiteflies aren’t present.

Supplementary Food: Bug Feed