Special Blend Predatory Spider Mites

Special Blend Predatory Mites

Phytoseiulus persimilis This bright orange predator is native to the tropics of South America. It does best in a humid environment of 60 to 90% relative humidity. Does best where tempertures remain below 90 degrees F. Persimilis is sensitive to high tempertures and low relative humidity. A humidity of 60% or lower has a negative effet on the hatching of the eggs and the development of Persimilis. Persimilis can reduce spider mite population to very low numbers in two to three weeks. Since Persimilis are faster and stronger than their prey they easily catch and eat them. When released they smell their prey, then move quickly throughout the plant. Persimilis work best from tempertures of 50 t0 90 degrees F. They then die from lack of food. In situations where the pest reinfest the plants, we suggest introducing persimilis every 3 to 5 weeks.

A. Cucumeris The conditions for optimum performance will be between 66-80°F with a relative humidity of between 65-72%. But these are optimum conditions, and not necessarily a prerequisite of successful implementationNeoseiulus cucumeris is an aggressive predator of several soft-bodied pests, generally seen on the lower leaf surface or inside flowers. They are known to feed on the immature stages of a variety of pest insects. Effective in temperatures up to 100 degrees F, although a comparable increase in humidity is required. Apply these predators in warm greenhouses and interiorscapes with artificial lighting. The lifespan of the adults, the form in which they are shipped, is 34 days. Release rates indoors, 3/sq. ft. bi-weekly, 1-2 times; outdoors, 5,000-20,000/acre, bi-weekly, 1-2 times.

Neoseiulus californicus predatory mites consume their prey at a more leisurely pace than do their friends Mesoseiulus cucumeris 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; the female 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).. 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 need a minimum of 40% humidity and ideal temperatures 60-90 degrees F. Can tolerate temperatures up to 105 degrees F. Work’s great in gardens and greenhouses.

A. swirskiis Ideal Temperatures: Temperature Range: 43° - 98° F. Humidity: 40% - 90%. Amblyseius swirskii is a beneficial predatory mite endemic to the Eastern Mediterranean region. This species is considered a generalist predator, and readily consumes small soft-bodied arthropod pest species as well as pollen or plant exudates. Amblyseius swirskii has attracted substantial interest as a biological control agent of mites, thrips and whiteflies in greenhouse and nursery crops and is currently reared and sold commercially in Europe and North America for this purpose.