Spider Mite Predator Mite - E Pack of 1000

Mite-E™ for Spider Mite Control – Phytoseiulus persimilis 

Highly effective predatory mite designed for spider mite control, specifically targeting the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) and other plant-feeding mites in the Tetranychidae family. This beneficial mite is ideal for use in integrated pest management (IPM) systems, making it an excellent choice for both greenhouse and outdoor crops.

Target Pests: Two-Spotted Spider Mites & Other Mites

The two-spotted spider mite is one of the most common and destructive pests in agriculture and horticulture. Adult females are small (approximately 0.6 mm), pale yellow-green with two large dark spots on their body. These mites are typically found on the underside of plant leaves, where they feed on the plant's sap, causing leaf speckling, yellowing, and in severe cases, webbing. These signs indicate the presence of a spider mite infestation. Mite-E™ targets these pests at all stages of their lifecycle—from eggs to adults, effectively reducing spider mite populations over time.

How Mite-E™ Works: The Natural Solution

Mite-E™ (Phytoseiulus persimilis) is an orange to bright red predatory mite that actively seeks out and feeds on spider mites. Adult females measure 0.5-0.6 mm in length and lay their eggs near colonies of spider mites, allowing the predators to quickly reduce pest populations.

Under optimal conditions (20°C and 65% relative humidity), Mite-E™ can consume up to five adult spider mites and twenty spider mite eggs and larvae per day. Mite-E™ is almost entirely dependent on two-spotted spider mites as a food source. If no spider mites are available, Mite-E™ may search for new prey or become cannibalistic.

Mite-E™'s Fast Reproduction:

• The life cycle of Mite-E™ is significantly faster than the two-spotted spider mite.
• Females can lay up to 60 eggs in their lifetime, ensuring effective predation and population control.

Environmental Conditions for Mite-E™ Success

Mite-E™ thrives in temperatures above 20°C during the day and a relative humidity of 65%. While Mite-E™ will still consume spider mites and reproduce at less-than-ideal conditions, they will do so at a slower rate. For best results, maintain ideal conditions to maximize their effectiveness.

Recommended Release Rates for Mite-E™

• Greenhouse Crops: Apply 4 predator mites per square metre (1 bottle per 250m²).
• Field Crops: Apply 1 predator mite per 2.5 square metres (1 bottle per 400m²).
• Strawberry Crops: Apply 1 predator mite per 2.5 square metres (1 bottle per 400m²).

Packaging & Application Instructions

Mite-E™ is supplied as 1000 adult mites in vermiculite. It is delivered in special packaging to maintain freshness and viability. Here’s how to apply:

1. Storage: Keep the mites in a cool, dark environment (ideal temperature: 10-12°C). DO NOT refrigerate.
2. Release: Apply to the crop as soon as possible—ideally within 1-2 days of receipt. Rotate the container gently to mix the contents, then release the mites evenly across the infested plants.

Post-Release Monitoring

Within 2-4 weeks of releasing Mite-E™, you should notice a decrease in the spider mite population. Look for shrivelled, brown spider mites that have been consumed. Use a 10x hand lens to confirm mite activity, as both live and dead mites can look similar.

Chemical Compatibility

Before introducing Mite-E™ to your crop, please check for any residual chemical effects. Ensure the compatibility of any pesticides that may have been applied. Refer to the "The Good Bug Book" (Second Edition) for a list of compatible pesticides and withholding periods. More information is available on the Australasian Biological Control Association website.

Delivery Information: Fresh Living Products

Please note that our products are living items and are specially ordered to ensure maximum freshness. Orders placed before 9 AM on Monday will be delivered within the same week, but depending on when your order is placed, it may be scheduled for delivery the following week due to courier schedules and weekend delays.

Rural Deliveries: Please be aware that our products may not be suitable for rural locations due to the longer delivery times, which could affect freshness.

Return & Refund Policy: As these are living products, they are non-returnable and non-refundable. We recommend double-checking your order details to ensure you're satisfied before completing your purchase.

We appreciate your understanding and are committed to delivering the highest quality products to your door!