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[[Image:Aphid parasite-Aphidius colemani-IMG 3198.JPG|thumb|300px|Aphid parasite has taken over whitish-brown aphids]]The Aphid Parasite (''Aphidius colemani'') is a small wasp about the size of a gnat (2-3 mm long), which can '''not''' sting humans. They are found in nature, but are also sold for release in gardens and greenhouses in order to control [[aphid]] populations. They prefer temperatures between 50-77 degrees F and relative humidity between 70-80%. The Aphid Parasite is used in the control of green peach and melon aphids.
[[Image:Aphid parasite-Aphidius colemani-IMG 3198.JPG|thumb|300px|Aphid parasite has taken over whitish-brown aphids]]The Aphid Parasite (''Aphidius colemani'') is a small wasp about the size of a gnat (2-3 mm long), which can '''not''' sting humans. They are found in nature, but are also sold for release in gardens and greenhouses in order to control [[aphid]] populations. They prefer temperatures between 10-25°C and relative humidity between 70-80%. The Aphid Parasite is used in the control of green peach and melon aphids.
The female wasp curls up her abdomen, stabs an aphid, and lays 1 egg inside the body. Each female may lay in excess of 100 eggs.
The female wasp curls up her abdomen, stabs an aphid, and lays 1 egg inside the body. Each female may lay in excess of 100 eggs.
In the home garden, the wasps should be naturally occurring where they are suited. But providing a habitat, and not using pesticides, they should stay and parasitize aphids.
In the home garden, the wasps should be naturally occurring where they are suited. But providing a habitat, and not using pesticides, they should stay and parasitize aphids.
In commercial [[greenhouse]]s, as a preventative measure, one wasp can be released for every 2 square yards weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. If there is an existing aphid infestation, 2 wasps per square yard should be released each week, for 3 consecutive weeks.
In commercial [[greenhouse]]s, as a preventative measure, one wasp can be released for every 2 square metres weekly for 3 consecutive weeks. If there is an existing aphid infestation, 2 wasps per square metre should be released each week, for 3 consecutive weeks.
==References==
==References==
*http://www.bugladyconsulting.com/Aphidius%20colmani.htm
*http://www.bugladyconsulting.com/Aphidius%20colmani.htm