Minute Pirate Bugs (Orius sp.)
 

Since we're on the subject of organic controls, has anyone tried using
Minute Pirate Bugs as a beneficial control? Most of the information on
them looks really good, except for things like:

"Minute pirate bugs only occasionally move out of fields in search of
new prey. When they do, it will normally be in late summer. They soon
make their presence known by biting humans. Though small, these
insects have a surprisingly painful bite."
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_hfrr/ext...PirateBugs.htm

and:

" Female Orius sp. insert eggs into plant tissue."
"They may also feed on tender plants."
http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/aimg50.html

Some of my neighbors already look askance at my devotion to gardening
organically, if I release biting bugs, they may kill me! I'm leaning
more toward releasing more Green Lacewings, but these little guys look
interesting.


Penelope