Augmentative Biocontrol - Step 3

Step 3: Build Your Augmentative Biocontrol Toolbox & Network

Overview

Once you have decided which crop and pest you will target first with augmentative biological control, you can build your “Augmentative Biocontrol Toolbox.” This toolbox includes:

Crucial Networking

Building a Network With Other Growers

Building a network with nearby growers who have had success with augmentative biocontrol can really help when you are troubleshooting. The following list has some ideas on how to connect with other growers:

  • Area or crop-specific email listserv options – for example, in Vermont, there is a vegetable and berries listserv hosted by the University of Vermont. University Extension agents in your location should be able to help you find a listserv.
  • Farming associations – search for farming associations in your location, and if you are in one, consider creating a subcommittee for growers who use augmentative biocontrol!
  • Networking at educational meetings – look for educational meetings and conferences put on by University Extension or State Agricultural agencies. Both may also have email newsletters you can subscribe to for notification of upcoming events

Building a Relationship With Potential Suppliers

  • First, you need to find what suppliers will ship to your area. A good place to start is the Association of Natural Biocontrol Producers (ANBP) website.
  • Once you have a list of suppliers to reach out to, you should call and “interview” each to find a supplier to work with. Some considerations when choosing a supplier include:
    • Cost – in money and risk – Sometimes it is more expensive to get things from a local distributor, but a downside of lower cost may be longer shipping times and differences in understanding local environmental factors.
    • Do they provide technical support?
    • Are they easy to reach through different methods (phone, text, email, etc.)?
    • Relationship – it is essential to have a cordial relationship with your supplier. Ease of communication and matching styles of communication is an important piece of this decision.

Develop a Relationship With Shipping Services (e.g., FedEx, UPS, etc.)

Building a strong relationship with your shipping carrier is essential for the smooth transportation of biocontrol agents. By establishing clear communication and understanding, you can ensure that shipments are handled properly and arrive on time.

  • Identify the Best Shipping Service for Your Needs – Research different carriers to determine which service is best suited for shipping biocontrol agents. Some carriers may have specialized services for handling live organisms or perishable goods, which could be critical for ensuring the safe and timely delivery of your biocontrol agents.
  • Discuss Shipping Requirements – Have a detailed conversation with your carrier about the specific needs of shipping biological products. This could include temperature control, special handling instructions, or packaging requirements to ensure the survival and viability of the biocontrol agents during transit.
  • Clarify Delivery Times and Schedules – Ensure that your carrier understands the importance of timely delivery, as delays could compromise the effectiveness of the biocontrol agents. It may also be helpful to set up a tracking system for your shipments so you can monitor progress in real time.
  • Plan for Contingencies – Discuss potential issues, such as delays, lost packages, or damage during transit, and establish a contingency plan. Knowing how your carrier handles such problems can help minimize disruptions to your pest management program.
  • Understand Costs and Shipping Terms – Be clear on shipping costs, especially if shipping live organisms, as these may be higher than standard rates. Ensure you are aware of any additional fees or terms that could affect your budget.
  • Establish Regular Communication – Keep in regular contact with your carrier to ensure that both parties are on the same page regarding upcoming shipments. Establishing a good working relationship can help resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Ask About Special Services – Some carriers may offer additional services, such as priority shipping or insurance for live shipments. Inquire about these options to ensure that your biocontrol agents receive the best care during transit.

Standard Operating Procedures for Staff

Monitoring and Recordkeeping System

Set up a system that everyone on your team is trained to use. This helps make sure pests are tracked the same way across your facility. A simple notebook can work, but using a spreadsheet like Excel or Google Sheets makes it easier to spot trends and review how things are going over time. You can build your own system in-house using tools you already have.

There are many scouting apps available that can help with monitoring and recordkeeping. Some may work well for your facility, while others may not. Before choosing one, make sure you understand the pricing and whether the features match your needs. Try asking the company for a reduced-cost trial or a short-term plan so you can test it out before spending too much.

Receiving Packages

Talk with your staff about the best times to receive and handle biocontrol shipments. It takes time to check the quality and get them released into the crop. Make sure packages don’t arrive right before the weekend or a holiday, since live organisms should not sit around waiting to be used.

Quality Control Checks

  • Company Quality Control Checks – Have a discussion with your company representative about the quality control measures in place at the distributor level. Understand their processes for ensuring the quality of the biocontrol agents before they are shipped.
  • Shipment Quality – Upon receiving the shipment, verify the shipment date to ensure it aligns with your order. Check the temperature within the box immediately after opening, as it should be within the optimal range for the specific species. The company should provide this ideal temperature range; for example, Dalotia spp. should be kept between 10 and 30 °C.
  • Quantity Verification – Confirm that the quantity of biocontrol agents matches your order. You can verify this through:
    • Cross-checking the package labeling with your receipt
    • Measuring the weight of the shipment and comparing it with previous shipments
    • Grid counting the organisms by placing them on a dish with a grid, counting the number in one square, and multiplying by the number of squares to estimate the total.
  • Quality Assessment – Organisms can die during transit if not kept in proper conditions. The distributor should provide specific quality control instructions for each species. Common quality checks include:
    • Inspecting for movement to confirm that the organisms are alive.
    • Conducting small test runs, such as offering a predatory species prey under a microscope and observing for feeding behavior, to ensure they are behaving properly.

Storage

It’s best to use biocontrols right away, or within 24 hours of receiving them. But if you need to store them, make sure they are kept at the right temperature. Use an infrared thermometer to check. Your supplier should give you temperature guidelines for each species.

Releases

Make sure your supplier gives you clear instructions on how to release the biocontrols. Go over these steps with your staff so everyone understands what to do. Depending on your space and setup, you might need to get creative with how you release them. A trip to the hardware store can help you find simple tools like scoops or spoons that work well. This is a great chance to involve your whole team, share ideas, and try out different methods to see what works best.

Team Meetings: Make Regular Reviews Part of Your Routine

One of the most important parts of a successful augmentative biocontrol program is taking the time to check in regularly. These reviews can happen weekly, monthly, quarterly, or at the end of each growing season. The goal is to talk honestly about what is working, what is not, and what can be improved.

Start with a short weekly check-in. This can be a quick staff meeting to go over your scouting records, pest pressure, and how the most recent biocontrol release went. Some agenda items could include:

  • Are the pests under control?
  • Is the method of release working?
  • Was the timing right?

Use the data you’ve collected in your spreadsheet or scouting app to help guide the discussion. This also helps everyone learn from each week’s results and spot patterns early.

Monthly and quarterly reviews can go a little deeper. Use these to compare trends over time, check if your storage or handling methods are working, and see if your budget is on track. It’s also a great time to talk about your relationship with your supplier:

  • Are you getting the support and information you need?
  • Do you have clear release protocols for each species?
  • Are staff comfortable using them?

At the end of a season or year, plan a bigger review. This is your chance to look at the whole picture—how well the pests were managed, how efficient the system was, and how the staff felt about the process. Ask questions like:

  • Did our scouting and recordkeeping system work?
  • Were there delays or problems with shipping or storage?
  • What deployment tools or techniques were most effective?
  • Are there better ways to train new staff?
  • What feedback did customers have?

Encourage everyone to share their thoughts. A strong program depends on communication and teamwork. Frontline staff often have the best ideas about how to improve things, as they’re the ones scouting, releasing, and seeing what works in real time. Create a culture where staff feel safe and encouraged to suggest changes or point out challenges. You might even hold a “creative solutions” brainstorming session where everyone brings ideas, tools, or homemade release hacks they’ve tried.

Remember, biocontrol is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires constant learning, adapting, and fine-tuning. These regular reviews help you stay flexible and make sure your program keeps getting stronger, season after season.

Choosing Which Biocontrol Agents To Use

Meet the BCAs!

There are many kinds of beneficial insects and organisms that can help manage pests. These are called BCAs (short for biological control agents), and they include a variety of predators, parasitoids, and pathogens that target specific pests. Some of the most commonly used groups include:

  • Parasitoids: Tiny wasps that lay eggs inside or on pests like aphids or whiteflies. The pest eventually dies as the wasp larva grows.
  • Predators: Insects or mites that eat pests directly—like lady beetles, predatory mites, or lacewing larvae.
  • Entomopathogenic nematodes: Microscopic roundworms that hunt and kill soil-dwelling pest insects.

To dive deeper into specific groups of BCAs, visit Cornell’s sidebar on the biology behind biocontrol, where you can browse examples and learn how each type works.

For a practical overview of commercially available BCAs and what pests they target, this MSU Extension guide (E3299, 2024 edition) is a fantastic reference.

Interactions Between BCAs

Some BCAs work well together and others don’t. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Some predators will eat other beneficial insects if they’re not carefully selected to coexist.
  • Some parasitoids may target different stages of the same pest, making them complementary.
  • Releasing the wrong mix of BCAs can reduce effectiveness or waste time and money.

For help navigating these interactions, suppliers and IPM professionals can offer guidance, and you can also explore BCA compatibility tips from trusted sources like Cornell’s Biocontrol Agents resource hub.

Purchasing Considerations

Biocontrol agents aren’t a “one-click” kind of product. Here’s what to keep in mind before buying:

  • Work with a trusted supplier
  • Always purchase through a reputable company and talk with a representative. They can help you:
    • Select the best species for your facility and pest pressure.
    • Understand how your facility’s environment might affect BCA performance.
    • Avoid accidentally buying low-quality or illegally sourced organisms.
  • Avoid unverified online sellers, especially those offering native lady beetles. Collecting wild insects harms ecosystems, often leads to low-quality products, and is sometimes illegal.

Location Matters

BCAs produced in climates with drastically different day lengths or conditions (like further south or in greenhouses overseas) may not perform well when introduced into Maine’s unique seasonal light and temperature patterns. Always ask where the BCAs were reared and how well they adapt to your environment.

Follow the Law

Regulations differ by country and sometimes by state. For example:

  • Canada has species that are legal there but not in the U.S., and it is illegal to import them across the border.
  • Buying online from unknown sources could result in the delivery of banned or invasive species.
  • Some species require special permits or paperwork.

Working with a reputable U.S.-based supplier helps ensure you stay legal and protect the environment. Biocontrol agents are living organisms, and each state has specific regulations regarding which species can be imported, possessed, and released.

For example, Maine maintains an unrestricted list and classifications for species that can be legally used. You can review Maine’s current regulations here: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife – Captive Wildlife Program.

Because regulations vary widely by state, it’s essential to:

  • Check your own state’s policies before purchasing or releasing any biological agents.
  • Work closely with suppliers who understand and comply with these rules.

Generally, state agencies involved in regulating biological control agents include:

  • Department of Agriculture or Plant Industry Division: Oversees the introduction and use of pest control organisms, including BCAs, and issues permits when necessary.
  • Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife, or Environmental Conservation: Manages wildlife regulations, including captive or introduced species that may affect native ecosystems.
  • State Department of Environmental Protection or equivalent: Sometimes involved in permitting or environmental impact assessment for introducing non-native species.

For example, in Maine, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife oversees captive wildlife permits and ensures introduced species do not harm native populations.

Always contact your state’s relevant agency to if you are unsure before ordering biocontrol agents, especially for species not native to your area.

Augmentative Biocontrol Toolbox

Augmentative biocontrol programs often rely on creativity, adapting your unique facility, ideas, and expectations. Some items below are “ready to go,” while others may require a little more creativity and thought.

Ready-To-Go Purchasing List

(Examples only; no specific endorsements)

Pest Scouting & Identification Tools:

  • Identification Books and Keys
  • Sticky Cards: Sticky cards are a foundational scouting tool for monitoring flying and crawling pests. Here are key considerations for selecting and using them effectively:
    • Color Considerations: different colored sticky cards attract different pest species. Choose card colors based on the target pest you’re monitoring. Consult online factsheets or extension resources for specific recommendations.
    • Size & Quality: Choose cards large enough to catch multiple specimens but easy to place throughout your facility. Sizes typically range from 3x5 inches to 5x7 inches or larger. Stickiness quality varies by manufacturer and over time. Store cards properly before use to maintain tackiness.
    • Verification and Inspection:
      • Inspect sticky cards regularly to ensure they are effectively trapping pests. If thrips or other insects are seen crawling freely on the cards, it indicates the adhesive may have degraded and the card should be replaced.
      • Avoid using cards with crushed or heavily damaged specimens, as these are difficult to identify accurately.
      • Save important or unusual specimens for expert verification by carefully placing them in small envelopes or plastic sleeves for transport.
      • Replace sticky cards on a regular basis (typically weekly) to avoid double counting pests and to maintain reliable monitoring data.
    • Mailing for Verification: When sending sticky card samples for expert ID, protect cards from crushing in the mail (e.g., using rigid envelopes or small boxes). Label clearly with date, location, and crop info.
    • Additional Resources:
      • Goopoff or a like product is recommended by some growers to improve removal of sticky residue.
      • Catchmaster’s pest ID posters or like products can help train staff in recognizing common pests on cards.
  • Clipboards – sturdy for knocking pests off plants for collection.
  • Mite Brushing Machine – useful for certain crops to dislodge mites for monitoring.
  • Hand Lens – essential for quick in-field inspection.
  • Reading Glasses or Optivisors – improve clarity and reduce eye strain during ID work.
  • Microscopes
    • USB or Bluetooth microscopes (e.g., Dinolite) offer portability and easy image capture.
    • Dissecting microscopes (desk or handheld, like Nikon Field Microscopes) provide higher magnification for detailed ID.
  • Fanny Pack – handy for carrying tools while scouting.
  • Soft-touch Tweezers – useful for handling delicate insects without damage; can be purchased online or made DIY by cutting from recycled soda cans using available templates.

Augmentative Biocontrol Quality Control Tools:

  • Infrared Gun Thermometer – critical for checking storage and release temperatures of biocontrol agents, ensuring viability.

“DIY” Augmentative Biocontrol Solutions:

  • Rearing Containers: Some augmentative biocontrol agents can be reared or held in-house after purchase. For example:
    • Delosia boxes (for predatory mites) can be made from repurposed materials like old Styrofoam coolers or plastic containers. This approach reduces costs and allows you to acclimate BCAs before release.

Creative Tools for Releases

  • Use spoons, scoops, or other hardware store items repurposed as release tools.
  • Encourage staff brainstorming and trial-and-error for developing easy, efficient release methods adapted to your facility.

Innovative Examples

Some growers adapt leaf blowers to broadcast biocontrol agents mixed with bran flakes onto foliage, allowing quick and uniform distribution over large areas.

Another cool method involves a system designed to constantly agitate nematodes suspended in a bucket during application, ensuring even distribution and preventing nematode clumping or settling.

Augmentative Biocontrol Budget

Onetime Purchases

These are the initial investments necessary to establish your augmentative biocontrol program. Examples include scouting and identification tools (like microscopes, hand lenses, sticky cards), storage containers, monitoring equipment, and any specialized release tools. Investing in quality equipment upfront ensures accurate monitoring and effective releases, which can save money and effort later.

Recurring Purchases

These costs depend largely on your facility’s pest pressure and management strategy. Augmentative biocontrol agents, sticky cards, replacement parts for monitoring tools, and consumables like BCA carriers fall under this category. Regular purchases may also include maintenance supplies or replacement of worn equipment.

Budgeting Considerations

Though augmentative biocontrol programs may seem costly at first, they emphasize prevention rather than reaction. Investing in consistent monitoring and timely releases reduces severe infestations, minimizing the need for expensive corrective measures such as chemical treatments or crop losses. In the long run, this preventative approach can lead to substantial savings and improved crop health, making the upfront budget commitment worthwhile.