Spider Mite Control - Californicus

Spider mite larvae, nymphs and adults feed on the underside of the leaves and cause yellow spots,later even yellow leaves. Plant cells turn yellow, which can be seen on the upper surface of the leaf as small yellow spots. This reduces the photosynthetic area of the leaf and the plant gets out of the physiological balance. This results in decreased plant growth and production. Finally the crop may die from the infestation. Nymphs and adults produce webbing that can cause cosmetic damage to the crop. If large numbers of spider mites are present, plants may be completely covered with webs.

Neoseiulus californicus attacks two spotted spider mites, broad mites, and cyclamen mites. Good for lower spider mite densities. Neoseiulus survives on pollen in the absence of prey.

Description:
Also known as Amblyseius californicus. Neoseiulus californicus comes from the sub-tropical regions and is a lively shiny mite with a pinkish red color and has obvious long legs.

Product Information:
In plants where it is very hard to detect the first spider mites, Californicus may be introduced preventatively, even if no spider mites have been found yet. N. californicus can tolerate low humidity and ideal temperatures 60°-85°F. They can tolerate temperatures up to 95° F. N. californicus works great in gardens and greenhouses.
The Amblyseius californicus is very effective in eliminating various types of spider mites. Besides the various types of spider mites, broad mites and thrips are also on the californicus menu.

Neoseiulus californicus predatory mites consume their prey at a more leisurely pace than do their friends Mesoseiulus longipes and Phytoseiulus persimilis, one adult or a few eggs per day, they can survive longer under starvation conditions and can also live on a diet of pollen. In plants where it is very hard to detect the first spider mites, Californicus may be introduced preventatively, Completes a generation in one to two weeks depending on temperature (12 days at 64º F, 4 days at 90º F). The female lays about 3 eggs per day for two weeks and lives about 20 days. The califoricus can consume 5.3 spidermite eggs per day. Does best in warm humid conditions, but will also tolerate low humidity (40% - 80% RH at 50° - 105°F). Occurs along coast and inland valleys of California. Californicus is more resistant to chemical pesticides. Avoid using any pesticide one week prior or one week after releasing predators. STORAGE: Highly perishable, should be used immediately upon delivery. If storage is absolutely necessary, refrigerate at 40°-50° F. (6°-10° C). Not to exceed 2 days, to minimize mortality. They are not canabalistic and survive shipping very well. Release 1 - 4 per plant or 1 - 2 per square foot in greenhouses at the first sign of spidermites. Later releases will require much higher numbers to be effective. Releases of californicus can be made when Spider mites are present and laying eggs. even if no spider mites have been found yet. N. californicus can tolerate low humidity and ideal temperatures 60-90 degrees F. Can tolerate temperatures up to 105 degrees F. Works great in gardens and greenhouses. 

The Amblyseius californicus is very effective in eliminating various types of spider mites. Besides the various types of spider mites, broad mites and thrips are also on the californicus menu. The californicus mite work well at both low and high temperatures and do not hibernate. The californicus predatory mites can also be applied to plants with a low damage threshold, such as pot plants and trees. It will clear up any early signs of mite infestation.