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  • Using predatory mites inside

    Created by Anisa on January 6, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    Hi, I’m looking for predatory mites for spider mites infesting my indoor house plants in containers ranges from 7-8 ft aralia to small calathea. Humidity is around 30-35% and temperature is around 60-70F. Space is around 100-200 sq.ft.

    I’ve been spraying with homemade insecticidal soap for over a month now, there’s no webs but there are eggs and a few mites around. Today, I just found 5-6 more plants that are infested but not very bad yet (no webs).

    Can you recommend any predatory mites that would work with my situation?

    Thanks, Anisa

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  • January 8, 2017 at 9:02 am #221205

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hi Anisa –

    At Planet Natural we’ve been supplying beneficial Insects for pest control since 1991 — it’s how we got started! Over that time we’ve developed quite a bit of experience using the best predators/parasites for the job. In this case, we strongly recommend releasing Phytoseiulus persimilis, sold under the name Spidex®, they’re simply the most effective biological control for use against the two spotted spider mite available. Yes, there are other predatory mite species available that are marketed for specific temperature and humidity levels, but in our experience, they are not as effective as Spidex®.

    Produced in The Netherlands and overnight freighted to the United States, Spidex® is so much more viable than any predatory mites we have received from other insectaries… and they’re cheaper! I think it has to do with the size of the European insectary that we deal with and the large greenhouse industry in Europe — they’re just producing more bugs and they’re very good at it. I’ve attached a link:

    https://www.planetnatural.com/product/predatory-mites-spidex/

    Good luck!

    January 8, 2017 at 9:37 am #221214

    neesee
    Member

    Hi,

    Thanks for your recommendation.
    But can you explain how phytoseiulus persimilis would be able to survive so far outside its temperature & humidity range?
    And be more effective than other predatory mite species that are marketed for my temperature and humidity levels (60-70F with 30-35% RH)?

    Thanks again.

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