Hypoaspis (also known as Stratiolaelaps scimitus) are mobile predatory mites that feed on sciarid fly larvae and other 'soil' pests including springtails, thrips pupae, root weevils, root aphids and root mealybug. They will also control overwintering spider mites.
The mites are small, barely visible to the naked eye, and have a light brown to tan colour. They are beneficial because they feed on a variety of harmful pests, including fungus gnats, thrips larvae, root aphids, and other small insects and mites that reside in the soil. These predatory mites are particularly effective in controlling pests in the early stages of their life cycle.
When introduced into the soil or growing media of plants, the mites actively search for prey, consuming the pest larvae and eggs, thus helping to reduce their populations and prevent potential damage to crops. They are considered a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, making them a valuable tool in integrated pest management strategies.
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Mobile predatory mites that feed on sciarid fly larvae and other 'soil' pests including springtails, thrips pupae and root mealybug. Adults are reported to live for several months and survive up to 50 days without food, making them ideal in situations of very low pest populations. At night they move a short distance up, on to the plant foliage and will feed on mealybug and other soft bodied prey. Mites are very mobile and soon distribute themselves throughout the crop.
100 mites per square metre. For permanently planted areas (interior landscapes, botanic gardens etc.) re-introduce every 10 to 12 weeks.
Use as a preventative or at the first sign of pests. Requires a minimum temperature of 12°C.
Mix the predators evenly through the carrier material by gently rotating and tilting the tub. Remove the lid and scatter the husks on the soil among the plants. A shaker tub of 10,000 mites should be enough for at least 200 per square metre of surface area. However, you cannot overdose the treatment, higher application rates will result in quicker clear up rates.