Operations
Aerobugs sources its insects from Bugs for Bugs Pty Ltd based in Mundubbera, Queensland. They have worked closely with Nathan from the start, and their field scouts conduct post-application inspections to check the quality of the spread and mortality rates as well as to capture vital data, not only for cross checking with Nathan, but for their own business and data analysis also.
The insects are mixed with a vermiculite medium so they have something to cling to, and so they fall cleanly below the UAV. Nathan has determined that a sweet spot of about five metres of altitude works best to achieve an even distribution since any breeze will not move the bugs too far from the UAV. Like any aerial application technique, Nathan uses the wind to his advantage as long as it is not too strong and positions the UAV accordingly as he manoeuvres along the rows.
Common pests targeted by Aerobugs include the Red Spider Mite, or Two Spotted Mite, which can affect hundreds of vegetable and food crops. The Preditor Mite (Phytoseiulus Persimillis) are spread throughout the crop in order to break the life cycle of the Red Spider Mite. Trichogramma wasps are also used to protect tomato crops.
Aerobugs
Sky Machines