Biological Control: Entosite

Chemical free biological insect control 

Entosite biological control offers a natural, chemical free solution to control insect pests especially flies. As no chemicals are used in the biological control process there is no risk of pesticide contamination. This is particuarly important in sensitive areas, where pesticides cannot normally be used.

Naturally occurring parasitic wasp species are used to control insect pests. These small parasitic wasps (approximately 2mm in size) are completely harmless to humans and animals. The parasitic wasp's stinger is specifically designed to penetrate a fly pupa and not people's skin.

In most insect infestations it is the adult insects that transmit the spread of viruses and disease causing bacteria. Breaking the lifecycle of the pest insects by killing the pupae before they become adults will quickly help to reduce the associated risks of disease from pest insects.

Biological control, using parasitic wasp species, is an effective solution for insect control in particular fly control. It also has many other benefits:

• Chemical free process - reducing the need for pesticides, which is safer for the environment
• Natural solution - quick and efficient biological insect control
• Cost effective - treats large areas effectively and provides 24/7 protection against insect problems
• Versatile - parasitic wasp species can control a range of pest insects, including chemical resistant strains
• Protect your reputation - biological control can complement other pest control methods, quickly reducing pest insect infestations

Parasitic wasp biological control - How it works

• Parasitic wasp infected insect pupae are released into an area where pest insects are breeding
• At temperatures above fifteen degrees Celsius, one wasp will emerge from each infected pupa. The female wasp then hunts out insect pupae and injects an egg into each one
• After hatching inside the pupa, the developing parasitic wasp larva kills and consumes the insect pupa as it grows, preventing the adult pest from emerging and breaking the lifecycle
• Mated females are then ready to start the activity again, killing yet more pest insects in the process
• Once the insect population is eliminated the parasitic wasp population will also decline as they have no hosts left to prey on

Biological control: Entosite leaflet (PDF)

Entosite biological control is suitable for treating a range of environments that are normally sensitive to pesticides. These include organic registered food sites and facilities where animals are present, such as zoos and wildlife parks. Biological control is also suitable for locations such as recycling centres and rubbish tips.

For further advice on biological control of pest insects or for a Rentokil surveyor to discuss solutions to a pest problem please call on 0800 917 1989.