Resources
Findings, published material, and updates
Reports and articles we’ve published, plus regular notes on what we’re seeing in the field.
Presenting our findings to farmers and stakeholders.
Published material and findings
Introduction to Pest and Beneficial Arthropods in Botswana Agricultural Landscapes
An overview of the pest and beneficial arthropod species found across Botswana’s farms, by our principal entomologist
2025 · Graham P. Hall – Request a Copy
Agricultural Insect Management in Botswana
A reference on managing insect pests in Botswana’s agricultural systems, co-authored by our principal entomologist.
2022 · Motshwari Obopile & Graham P. Hall – Request a Copy
Guides
Collecting and sending invertebrate samples
Mites
Collecting Mite samples
- Collect a bulk of more than 50 individual mites per paddock/area if possible
- If possible, collect a bulk of more than 50 individual mites per paddock/area.
- Use a hard, rigid plastic container. A container with a screw lid is best. To order a collection kit (container, labels, and postage pack), contact Insect Factory at lesego@insectfactorybw.com or +267 71 777 467.
- Place a layer of paper towel at the base of the plastic container.
- Place a small amount of vegetation on top of the paper towel to cover it roughly.
- Collect the mites from the paddock or area by tapping mite-infested vegetation over the plastic container so that they fall into it. If they are on the soil surface, you could try scooping them up with a spoon.
- Take a piece of paper towel, position it over the opening of the plastic container, and securely close the lid on top of the paper towel. Make sure the paper towel is larger than the container to create a seal between the lid and the container; otherwise, mites may escape.
- Wrap the plastic container in bubble wrap if you have some.
Aphids
Collecting Aphid samples
- Collect a bulk of >50 individual aphids per paddock/area.
- At each paddock/area, directly remove (cut) leaves that contain aphids, leaving the aphids undisturbed.
- Collect a bulk of more than 50 individual aphids per paddock/area. Please do not use a takeaway container or zip-lock bags, as these can break or squash in the post.
- Excessive plant matter can lead to high moisture levels, which may kill the aphids. Avoid overpacking the container with plant matter, and place a piece of tissue paper or paper towel into the container to absorb excess moisture.
Moths and their parasitoids
- The easiest way to collect moth samples in the field is by collecting the egg masses from the underside of the leaf. You can collect the larvae (caterpillars) and pupae, which can be put in with the eggs.
- Collecting a mixture of larvae, pupae, and eggs ensures high survival rates.
- Collect a bulk of >20 individual larvae per paddock/area.
- Aim to collect 50+ eggs from leaves and place them in a clear, non-crushable plastic container with some leaf material in case eggs hatch during transit. (The eggs are brittle, so aim to keep the egg masses on the same leaf tissue you found them on).
- You can add larval collections in the same container, and make sure there is enough vegetation for them to feed on while in transit.
- Aim to collect 50+ eggs from leaves and place them in a clear, non-crushable plastic container with some leaf material in case eggs hatch during transit. (The eggs are brittle, so aim to keep the egg masses on the same leaf tissue you
- Scrunch up some paper towels and add them to the container to absorb excess moisture.
- Place a sheet of paper towel over the top of the container and close the lid over it.