Australia's most efficient BIOcontrol release service 

What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?

IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimises risks to human health, beneficial and non-target organisms, and the environment.

Advantages of biological control

  • Reduce pesticide resistance issues
  • No application withholding times
  • No exposure to harmful chemicals
  • More sustainable farming 
  • Reduced risk to works from chemicals
  • Improved food and environment safety
  • Better plant health = increased quality and yield

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Why use a drone to release beneficial insects or 'good bugs'?

Limitation of current manual application
  • Time consuming and labour intensive
  • Opportunity costs for not using limited labour for other tasks
  • Lack of precision & uniformity with the release of beneficials
  • Cannot be applied in some field conditions
Benefits of Parabug aerial biocontrol service
  • Cost effective to apply beneficials to any crop
  • Faster application by a single operator / reduced demand for labour
  • More evenly distributed application over larger areas
  • Access areas with challenging terrain (flooded ground, steep hills, etc)
  • Apply beneficials into the top of tall crops or trees

Do you have an issue with these common pests......

Parabug has applied these beneficial insects and more

Parabug has been used to applied beneficials to these crops and more.

Wine & Table Grapes

Strawberries

Nut Trees

Citrus Trees

Hemp

Cotton

Stone Fruit

Vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

How much acreage can you cover?

​Depending on flight speed, altitude, and swath distance Parabug can cover up to 10 hectares (25 acres) in 30 minutes. 

How high and fast does the drone fly?

​Altitude and speed depend on the beneficials being applied and the crop that they are being applied to. Typically Parabug is flown between 5-8 metres above the crop at  speeds between 20-35 kph.

Who supplies the beneficials?

Parabug works with the grower, their consultant and the insectaries to choose which beneficials are best to use. It is preferred that the grower orders and has the beneficials delivered to their property. Parabug Australia can assist with the process. 

How long can the drone fly for?

The average Parabug equipped drone can fly for about 25-35 minutes. 

How does Parabug compare to traditional hand application?

Parabug is as effective as traditional hand applications, with the added benefit of being able to access fields in wet conditions as well as being much more uniform than hand applications.

How quickly does Parabug empty its drum?

Currently Parabug takes about 8-12 minutes per drum before refill is required.  This can change with variable rate control and the biocontrol / media mix.

What is the mortality or survivability of the bugs being dropped via a drone?

​Parabug has applied various beneficials on thousands of acres of various crops. Observations from current operators, as well as growers, indicate the bugs are landing safely.   

California Polytechnic State University recently completed a study on the survival rates of Persimilis applied by drone.  The study found 'there was no statistical difference amongst our three treatments (control, mechanical drum roll, and drone drop).

What is the best time of day to apply beneficials?

Parabug has found that it is best to apply bugs in the morning when the wind is low and the temperature is mild.  Having moisture and humidity in the field insures the best chance of your beneficials finding their way.

We are currently trialling late evening and night releases to overcome the heat of the Australian summer.

Will the beneficials get sucked up into the drones propellers?

The drones propellers aid in releasing the beneficials by pushing air down, not pulling air up.  This safely keeps the bugs away from the propellers.

Are your operators licensed and insured?

All pilots are CASA licensed remote pilots and have undertaken an additional inhouse training & certification program.  All operators are required to have their own insurance.  

What does this service cost?

The cost varies on area, application rate and flight characteristics.  Contact us for more details.

Can I schedule a demo?

Parabug Australia can provide a free demo at a time and place convenient to you. Please contact us to schedule a demo via the contact us tab. 

Parabug Certified Operators

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Parabug Australia is interested in talking to CASA certified and insured operators to expand this service across Australia.

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