Introduce weekly during moth flight!
Trichogramma are microscopic parasitic wasps that target the eggs of over 200 moth and caterpillar species before larvae ever hatch. By interrupting pest reproduction at the source, they provide chemical-free protection for vegetable gardens, orchards, greenhouses, and field crops. They work equally well indoors in pantries or closets.
Each hanging card contains Trichogramma pupae ready to emerge and immediately begin searching for pest eggs. No spraying, no mixing — just hang the card and let them work.
What Pests do Trichogramma Control?
Trichogramma parasitize the eggs of a wide range of moth and caterpillar species, including:
-
Vegetable gardens & cole crops
Cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, cabbage worms, corn earworms, cutworms, tomato hornworms -
Orchards, grapes & avocados
Codling moths, oriental fruit moths, leafrollers, fruit worms -
Field crops & corn
European corn borers, armyworms, bollworms, corn earworms -
Trees, ornamentals & forests
Gypsy moths, webworms, moth borers, leaf- feeding caterpillars -
Indoors & stored goods
Pantry moths, clothes moths
They are not effective against adult moths or larvae that have already hatched. For best results, deploy at the first sign of moth activity or as a preventive measure at the start of the season.
What Trichogramma Species is Right for Your Situation?
| T. brassicae | T. platneri/T. minutum |
| Best for cole/cold vegetable crops such as cabbage, broccoli, & kale. Also effective against pests like the European corn borer. Ideal for cooler weather and early-season vegetable gardens. | A broad-spectrum option for orchards, mixed gardens, ornamentals, and trees where the canopy is 5 feet or more above the ground. |
How Trichogramma Work
Trichogramma females are tiny, about 0.5–1.5 mm (smaller than the tip of a pencil), but highly effective. Upon emergence, they actively search plant surfaces for moth eggs. When an egg is located, the female deposits her own egg inside it. The developing Trichogramma larva consumes the pest egg from inside, preventing it from ever hatching into a damaging caterpillar.
The complete cycle from egg to adult takes approximately 10–14 days at 70°F+, allowing populations to reproduce and persist throughout the season.
Introduction Rates
1 - 2 insects per sq. ft.
50,000 - 100,000 per acre
Weekly during moth flight
Temperature Range: 50-95°F
These rates are general guidelines. Adjust based on infestation level, crop density, and monitoring results.
How to Use Trichogramma Cards
- Keep product in original packaging. At 70°F+, pupae on the card will begin emerging within 5-7 days of receipt. Check the card daily for signs of emergence.
- When ready to deploy, open packaging, flip the card egg-side down, and cut with scissors to separate. Do not tear, as this can damage the card.
- Release Methods:
| Outdoors | Indoors |
| Thread the card through its hole and tie or wedge it directly into plant foliage, out of direct sunlight. | Hang near infested or at-risk areas, including closets, pantries, and grow rooms. |
Repeat weekly during active moth flight season for continuous protection.
- Place cards where leaves touch or overlap so emerging adults can move easily between plants.
- If ants are present outdoors, hatch cards indoors first. Ants will predate on the eggs.
- Introduce at the very first sign of moth activity for best results. Trichogramma work preventively.
Growing Conditions
- Temperature: 50–95°F (most active above 70°F)
- Works outdoors, indoors, in greenhouses, and grow rooms
- Not affected by humidity requirements
Safe & Chemical-Free Pest Control
- No chemicals, sprays, or residues
- Safe around people, pets, and pollinators
- Safe for edible crops and organic programs
- Compatible with IPM (integrated pest management) strategies
- No protective equipment required
Trichogramma Storage
Unhatched cards can be stored at 40-45°F for no more than 10 days. Deploy immediately after emergence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Trichogramma indoors?
Yes. They work well in greenhouses, grow rooms, pantries, and closets — anywhere moths are a problem. Hang cards near the affected area out of direct light.
How often should I apply Trichogramma?
Apply weekly during active moth flight periods. For preventive use, begin applications at planting or at the first moth trap catch of the season.
Will Trichogramma harm beneficial insects or pollinators?
No. Trichogramma specifically target lepidopteran (moth and butterfly) eggs and do not affect bees, ladybugs, or other beneficials.
What if I have a heavy infestation with larvae already present?
Trichogramma work on eggs only. For active larval infestations, pair them with a fast-acting treatment (such as Bacillus thuringiensis / Bt) and then maintain Trichogramma cards to prevent the next generation from hatching.
Do I need special equipment to use Trichogramma cards?
No. Simply hang or tie the card to your plant. Scissors are needed to cut the card — do not tear it.