ARBICO Organics — Biological Pest Control & OMRI-Listed Inputs
ARBICO Organics has specialized in environmentally responsible pest management since 1979. Every product in their lineup is built around biological and naturally derived active ingredients — beneficial insects, microbial pesticides, and botanical compounds that protect plants without the residue concerns and resistance risks associated with conventional synthetic chemistry. ARBICO operates its own insectary in Catalina, AZ, rearing and supplying beneficial insects directly to growers across the country.
Beneficial Insects for Biocontrol
ARBICO’s beneficial insect program covers the key biocontrol species used in commercial and home IPM programs. Fly Eliminators (Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax zaraptor) are parasitic wasps that target developing fly pupae in manure, compost, and soil — the flagship ARBICO product since 1979. Predatory mites including Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus target spider mite populations in indoor and greenhouse environments. Parasitic wasps including Encarsia formosa and Aphidius colemani target whitefly and aphid populations respectively. Beneficial nematodes (Steinernema feltiae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) address soil-dwelling pest larvae including fungus gnat larvae, thrips pupae, shore flies, and root weevils — applied as a drench directly to growing media.
OMRI-Listed Sprays, Biological Fungicides & Soil Health Products
Beyond beneficial insects, ARBICO carries a full range of OMRI-listed spray concentrates and ready-to-use formulations. Botanical insecticides address common soft-bodied insect pests (aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips) with naturally derived active ingredients. Biological fungicides including BotaniGard and Met52 use entomopathogenic fungi to control insect populations through a different mode of action than conventional sprays — important for resistance management programs. Soil health products including mycorrhizal inoculants and beneficial bacteria blends support root development and plant vigor from transplant through harvest.
For Certified Organic & IPM-Focused Growers
ARBICO products are the natural choice for certified organic growers requiring OMRI-listed inputs, home vegetable and herb growers who avoid synthetic pesticides, and commercial CEA operators building integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Biological controls perform best as preventive tools — introduced before pest populations reach threshold levels, they establish resident populations that provide ongoing suppression. As a reactive rescue treatment at high pest pressure, beneficials require supplementation with compatible soft chemistry.
Expert Pest Identification & Program Design
Building an effective IPM program requires correctly identifying the pest before selecting control measures. If you’re uncertain what you’re dealing with, our expert growing staff can help identify common grow room pests and recommend the right ARBICO combination for your situation — call 888-815-9763 or explore our pest and disease guides in the Learning Center.
Explore our full pest control and garden care collection for additional biological and conventional inputs, or browse cleaning and sanitation products for facility hygiene. Free shipping.
ARBICO Organics FAQ
What are Fly Eliminators and how do they work?
Fly Eliminators are a blend of two parasitic wasp species — Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax zaraptor — that target developing fly pupae in manure, compost, soil, and damp organic material. The wasps are tiny (1–2mm) and completely harmless to humans, pets, and plants — they parasitize fly pupae before flies emerge, breaking the reproductive cycle. Fly Eliminators are released near fly breeding areas every 2–4 weeks during fly season. They cannot survive cold winters and are a preventive biocontrol tool — most effective when released before fly populations establish, not after an infestation peaks.
What beneficial insects does ARBICO offer for spider mites?
ARBICO offers several predatory mite species effective against spider mites depending on your climate and growing conditions. Phytoseiulus persimilis is the most aggressive predator of two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) and is ideal in humid environments (60–90% RH) at temperatures of 65–85°F. Neoseiulus californicus tolerates drier and cooler conditions than persimilis and provides good control at lower spider mite pressure. Mesoseiulus longipes handles hot, dry greenhouse and outdoor conditions. For most indoor growing environments, P. persimilis or N. californicus alone or in combination provides effective control when introduced at first sign of infestation.
How do beneficial nematodes control fungus gnats?
Steinernema feltiae nematodes (available from ARBICO) are microscopic roundworms that actively seek out and infect fungus gnat larvae in the growing medium. The nematodes enter larvae through natural openings, release symbiotic bacteria that kill the host within 24–48 hours, and then reproduce inside the carcass before seeking new hosts. They are applied as a drench at the rate of approximately 23 million nematodes per 1,000 sq ft, mixed into room-temperature water and applied to moist growing medium. S. feltiae is effective in growing medium temperatures of 50–86°F and should be used within 2 weeks of receipt for maximum viability.
Are ARBICO products compatible with other pesticides and fungicides?
Beneficial insects and nematodes are living organisms that can be harmed by many conventional pesticides. Before releasing beneficials, observe a residue-free period after any pesticide application — this ranges from 24 hours for soft soaps and hydrogen peroxide products to 4+ weeks for systemic insecticides. ARBICO publishes compatibility charts for their major beneficial species. As a general rule: spinosad, neem oil, and most synthetic pyrethroids are incompatible with most beneficials. Insecticidal soap, hydrogen peroxide, and predatory-mite-compatible biological fungicides are generally safe when residue has dried.
