Biological Solutions

Red wiggler worm! By far, these guys are the best gardeners on the planet, and will only help your lawn and garden. Red wiggler worms are nature's ultimate composting worm and a great pick for worm farms. Red worms go by many names. They're often called red wigglers, tiger worms, manure worms, composting worms, and the trout worms. Whatever you call them they're among the best composting worms available. Unlike common earthworms that borrow deep into the soil red worms thrive in the first several inches of topsoil directly beneath decomposing vegetative organic matter. It really doesn't matter what the matter is red worms love it. Decaying leaves, grasses, wood, and animal manure are all favorites of red worms.

Neoseiulus fallacis can prevent and control a number pest mites in a multitude of conditions. Some of the species they can impact include: the two-spotted mite (Tetranychus urticae); the carmine red mite (T. cinnabarinus); a two-spotted mite relative (T. evansi); the European red mite (Panonychus ulmi); the citrus red mite (P. citri); the southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis); the six-spotted mite (Eotetranychus sexmaculatus); the Pacific mite (T. pacificus). Moreover, these predators may offer some control of the privet mite (B. obovatus), cyclamen mites (Phtyodromus pallidus), broad mites (Polyphagotarsenomus latus) and tomato russet mites (Aculops lycopersici), and other species.

HOST PEST: Two spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urtichae), Pacific Mites (Tetranychus pacificus), European red mites (Panonychus ulmi), Bank's grass mite.

HOST PLANT: Fruit trees, strawberries, corn, hops, mint, other field crops

LIFE STAGES: Egg, Larvae, Protonymph, Deutonymph, and Adult

ENVIRONMENT: Does best in moderate to cooler humid conditions, but will also tolerate warmer temperatures

PESTICIDES: Susceptible to pesticides. Pyrethroids are highly toxic. Field tolerance will vary with spray timing, application methods, weather and crop. Avoid spraying crop one week before or after releasing predators. Some materials may be toxic to predators for up to four weeks.

STORAGE: Highly perishable, should be used immediately upon delivery. If storage is absolutely necessary, refrigerate at 50° F. (6°-10° C). Not to exceed 2 days, to minimize mortality.

AUGMENTATION: Release rates are being developed. Release at least one per plant or one per square foot in greenhouses at the first sign of spider-mites. Later releases will require much higher numbers to be effective.

NOTES: This predatory mite disperses quickly. Neoseiulus fallacis is known to control European Red Mite below economic thresholds in fruit tree orchards. it is also being successfully used in mint fields.