USE: Cryptolaemus (cryp’-to-le’-mus) are often called "Mealybug Destroyers" because of their voracious appetite for mealybugs! They look like small ladybugs with an orange head and tail and a black body. Their first choice is mealybugs, but they also eat aphids, immature scale, and immature whitefly. RELEASE: Gently shake the beetles directly on to infested plants in the evening of the same day received. If release must be delayed, store in a cool (60 — 65) dark area and smear a little honey on the inside of the lid of the container for food. COVERAGE: Use about 10 beetles per tree, 2 — 5 per plant, or about 5 per square yard for planted areas. LIFE CYCLE: The Cryptolaemus beetles will lay their amber colored eggs in the mealybug eggmass, and the eggs will hatch in 10 — 14 days. The larvae are hard to see at first, but grow rapidly as they also feed on mealybugs. They are alligator shaped and as they mature they develop a white waxy coating that makes it difficult to tell them apart from the mealybugs. However, this also helps them attack their prey. The entire cycle takes about 30 days. RECOMMENDATIONS: Since ants are attracted to the honeydew secreted by mealybugs, it is important to control the ants before using the Cryptolaemus. Ants will actually attack the Cryptolaemus if they are in the area. If using indoors, keep in mind that the Cryptolaemus will be attracted to sources of light. Cryptolaemus are very susceptible to pesticides and they should not be used for at least two weeks prior to release. IMPORTANT NOTICE-PLEASE READ!!!: Most live beneficial insect, snail and worm orders received before Thursday noon, are processed on the following Friday and shipped out the following Monday or Tuesday via UPS. After that time, they are sent in the next week's batch. They are not sent from this location, they are sent from the rearing facilities. Rush orders cannot be accepted for live insects. Expect a 10-14 day delivery for most shipments. If you do not live in the Western U.S., it is recommended you choose UPS 3 day delivery or better. IF YOU LIVE EAST OF THE ROCKIES AND HAVE NOT CHOSEN UPS 3 DAY OR FASTER, WE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEND IT THAT WAY AND YOU WILL BE CHARGED EXTRA FOR THAT METHOD. There will still be the same 1-2 week wait for them to be sent out, but they will go by the recommended method. Multiple orders which include live insects with other merchandise such as toys and candy, may have additional shipping and handling fees added to cover the additional cost of two shipments. The merchandise (other than the live animals) will be sent ground, the live insects will be sent 3 day or better. Live insects may only be shipped within the Continental United States (may not be shipped to Hawaii) unless you provide an import permit from your Agriculture Dept.. |
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| If temperatures are hot in your area, and you have ordered live insects, it is recommended that you choose a cold pack during hot weather and choose an EXPRESS shipping method or we will delay your shipping. These ice packs will not stay cold longer than a day. The insects can cook to death if they are left outside in the heat. These packs are also good for keeping your chocolate orders cool. |
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| (310) 318-1389 We offer secure online ordering. RealCoolToys.com has a $25.00 minimum purchase requirement for phone orders. Even though we don't have a minimum for online orders, we kindly request your purchase (not including shipping) be $15.00 to $20.00 to cover the cost of paying our staff and meeting our many other expenses. Thank you. PLEASE READ our "Answers to your questions" page: realcooltoys.com/info for our usual shipping methods, process times and return policy BEFORE you place your order. Placement of your order means that you have read and understand our shipping policies. ********IMPORTANT********* If you are ordering live insects, they will be sent within our availability time as stated on the description page (shipped out only on Mondays or Tuesdays, regardless of your shipping choice). Please choose the correct method of shipping for your area. Remember you must choose Express (least expensive of faster methods) or Next Day if you live in a very cold, or very hot area. (Priority is OK if the weather is mild). You must also make sure you are home to receive them or have made OTHER arrangements so they are brought indoors immediately. They will die if left outdoors in the elements. You must also order a heat pack or cold pack (depending on weather) for live ants orders.******** E-MAIL : realcooltoys@kathyscritters.com
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