Bugs for Bugs

Bugs for Bugs Logo

Bugs for Bugs specialises in integrated pest management (IPM) and is one of Australia’s leading suppliers of biological control agents. Our mission is to help Australian growers achieve best practice pest management with minimal pesticides.

We are a science-based company that:

  • has been providing crop protection solutions and bio-control organisms for more than thirty years
  • breeds beneficial insects and mites (good bugs to control bad bugs)
  • is highly experienced in the field of fruit fly management
  • offers a range of non-toxic alternatives to conventional pesticides
  • conducts ongoing research and development into biological control and fruit fly management
  • provides contract research in the field of integrated pest management.

We are proud of our close relationship with other research providers including the departments of agriculture, universities and CSIRO.

Our main insectary is located at the site of the old butter factory in Mundubbera. We operate more than 50 climate controlled rooms for the production of our biological control agents.

Beneficial insect production is very challenging. Maintaining continuous insect production of each beneficial species requires constant monitoring of the rearing systems and attention to detail. Bugs for Bugs uses around 250 tonnes of butternut squash and 24 tonnes of wheat per year for its beneficial insect production.

We currently produce more than 10 species of natural enemies available to help manage pest problems in a more sustainable way. Each of these rearing systems is complex and labour intensive. Our commitment to research is significant and we are constantly striving to streamline our existing mass rearing systems while searching for new organisms that can help growers with practical alternatives to conventional pesticides.

Our company has a long history of experience in crop monitoring to assist growers in achieving good IPM. We have provided IPM consulting services in countries such as Thailand, Jordan and Morocco.

Bugs for Bugs also offers contract research to evaluate IPM compatible materials including their effect on biological control agents.