Request-A-Bug is a service where private landowners in Colorado order biological control agents. Other government agencies can also order biocontrol agents. Supplies are limited. The amount of biocontrol agents vary from one year to the next. The Insectary cannot guarantee a release for each request ordered. There are 8 Request-A-Bug programs available.
Request-A-Bug Programs
What to Expect
- Step 1: Request-A-Bug Waitlist
Join the waitlist. Don’t delay! Submit your request as early as possible. Requests are fulfilled in order of date received and agent availability.
- Step 2: Confirm Order & Pay
The Insectary staff will email you during the field season and let you know when the insects are ready to ship. They will ask you to pay for your shipment at that time.
- Step 3: Fedex Shipment
Your order will arrive the next day via FedEx (after your payment is made).
- Step 4: Release
Time Sensitive! Be sure to release your live biocontrols ASAP or put them in the refrigerator. The biocontrol agents are ready to eat/attack your noxious weeds! Follow the release instructions provided in your shipment.
- Step 5: Return
You can help us continue to keep costs low and reduce waste by returning the cooler to the Insectary to be re-used. Thank you!
Optional: Insectary staff can help you decide if you should place an additional order for the following year. All biocontrols should be established within a year and will overwinter in Colorado. Full effects typically take up to 3 years. Contact us.
Fees
Do Not Send Payment Now. We will contact you to collect payment and coordinate shipping arrangements in season.
| Private Land and Home Owners | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fee | Description | Season |
| N/A | Canada Thistle (Not Available) | N/A |
| $30 | Dalmatian Toadflax | May - June |
| $30 | Diffuse Knapweed | July - Aug. |
| $35 | Field Bindweed | June - Aug. |
| $30 | Leafy Spurge | June - July |
| $30 | Musk Thistle | June - July |
| $30 | Puncturevine | Sept. |
| $0 | Russian Knapweed | April - May |
| $30 | Spotted Knapweed | July - Aug. |
| N/A | Yellow Toadflax (Not Available) | N/A |
For Government Agency & Public Land Manager Customers ONLYPlease Contact the Insectary for Subscription Service. Reach out to Torri Gladem at Torri.gladem@state.co.us. | |
|---|---|
| Fee | Description |
| $100 | 5,000 Tamarisk beetles. (July) Includes vial of pheromone to concentrate beetles at the release site. |
| $0 | Peach wasp ("Mac"). |
Request-A-Bug Waitlist
Click to join the waitlist.
Outside the State of Colorado?
The Insectary works with federal and state institutions outside of Colorado. We do not work with private landowners outside of Colorado. If you are a private landowner, please contact your local state official.