Phytoseiulus persimilis

Phytoseiulus are the number one method for controlling red spider mite, and are widely used by both amateur gardeners and commercial growers.

They are tiny predatory beneficial mites, shiny orange and relatively fast moving, which feed on the eggs, young, and adults of the "Two Spotted mite" (= red spider mite) giving excellent control. They are very, very small, about the same size as their prey and you won't be able to identify them properly without a microscope.

Phytoseiulus need a minimum 15°C for activity but breed faster when temperatures are regularly 18°C to 22°C. This generally means application end April until September indoors, or June and July outdoors.

They work very effectively and can achieve a complete clean up in several weeks. For severe outbreaks best results are achieved when following up the initial treatment with a second introduction two weeks later. Just order two treatments and on the order form click the button that says "Separate delivery dates"

In the early summer it is a good idea to inspect vulnerable plants every week and deal with the first signs of mite infestation immediately. Where possible, remove infested leaves, buds and stems because this will initially reduce numbers. Spider mites prefer dry environments, so spraying the infested areas of a plant with water and damping the greenhouse floor areas will raise the humidity and hopefully slow the infestation rate.

Phytoseiulus are supplied in plastic tubes with vermiculite granules. They should be gently sprinkled with the vermiculite onto leaves half way up the affected plant; or if the leaf shape makes this difficult, the granules can be put into small cones of paper. The mites will move onto the plant in a matter of minutes and move around the plant looking for Red Spider mites to eat. On receipt of your order, please read the instructions before opening the tube!