Thrips Prevention - Thrips are very difficult to reach with chemical sprays but Amblyseius predator mites are small enough to find and eat them, release early as they control the first stages of the Thrips lifecycle.
These sachets contain a breeding colony of mites that crawl out slowly over a 4-6 week period and attack the larvae and pupae stages of Thrips.
Inside the sachets can be used all year round and pose no risk to pets or humans.
Outside, for best results, introduce the Amblyseius in mid-May for frost-free glasshouses, or earlier where temperatures are constantly warm. Amblyseius will survive on pollen from flowers until the young thrips start to appear and provide them with a preferred diet, thus preventing an infestation from taking hold.
This product should be used in prevention of an outbreak so either around the time that you normally see Thrips or at the very first sign that they are present. If you already have a Thrips problem then please check out our other products for Thrips as you will need something that also controls the adult stage.
Further information
How much do I need?
When to use
Sachets or shaker tub?
Questions
Thrips suck juices out of leaves and emerging flowers, leaving them with a 'rasped' look. They do not generally kill plants, but make them look tired and unsightly. If they attack young emerging shoots then leaves may be crooked and misshapen.
Amblyseius cucumeris is a tiny, pale coloured beneficial mite. It is used by professional glasshouse growers to control thrips and tarsonemid mites. It can be used in gardens outside in the summer months in sheltered areas or all year round in houseplant collections, in heated glasshouses and conservatories.
These mites crawl around on the leaves and within the flower buds looking for their favourite prey which are thrips larvae. They usually target the smaller, newly hatched young, but they have been known to tackle larvae bigger than themselves. The mites also work well to prevent outbreaks of broad and cyclamen mites.
Amblyseius spp. are difficult to spot with the naked eye, and to tell apart even with the benefit of a microscope. The colour of the mites vary according to what they have been feeding upon.
You will need 1 sachet for 1-2 m² or 1 per plant. They may give you up to 6 weeks protection because the sachets contain grain mites, which give the amblyseius a source of food to stop them all emerging at once.
These little predatory mites work best in temperatures between 10°C – 27°C, and appreciate some humidity to help them gain control of their prey more quickly.
Amblyseius Cucumeris can tolerate hot, dry conditions, suitable for houseplants, glasshouses and conservatories, as well as outside during the spring and summer.
This product should be used in prevention of an outbreak so either around the time that you normally see Thrips or at the very first sign that they are present. If you already have a Thrips problem then please check out our other products for Thrips.
Using outside? For best results, introduce the Amblyseius when temperatures are constantly warm. Amblyseius will survive on pollen from flowers until the young thrips start to appear and provide them with a preferred diet, thus preventing an infestation from taking hold.
Which format to choose
Sachets release a breeding colony of mites onto the plant, even before the target pest is present. The breeding colony is contained within a small paper sachet, which is carefully designed to maintain the colony in good condition. Mites continue to emerge from sachets over several weeks and in much higher numbers than with a single broadcast release.
The sachets have a hook for hanging on branches but can be propped against smaller plants. You will need 1 sachet for 1-2 m² or 1 per plant. They may give you up to 6 weeks protection because the sachets contain grain mites, which give the amblyseius a source of food to stop them all emerging at once.
Loose Material provide an immediate and high dose of predatory mites. Good for quickly establishing a population of mites and providing an immediate defense for your crop.
Q- Should I make the hole in the sachet bigger or open the sachet up?
A - No, the sachet contains a breeding colony. This is designed to allow mites to be released over several weeks and will provide longer lasting protection if left in tact. If you feel that you have more Thrips than the mites can control on slow release then this isn't the right product for you.
Q - I just used an insecticide can I use this product?
A - You cannot introduce any live predators within 6 weeks of using a chemical pesticide, or check the bottle of the chemical used to find out how long it remains active.
Q- If I buy more than I need can I keep some back for later?
A - You need to use them immediately on receiving them and then they last for around 4 weeks
Q - Will I see the mites?
A - They are tiny, you will possibly see them through a hand lens, they will most likely hide
Q - What will happen to the mites after they have eaten the Thrips?
A - They will die out if there are no Thrips
Q - Can I use this product before I see any Thrips?
A - This product is preventative as well as curative so you can use them when there are no Thrips but when you are worried about a Thrips infestation
If you have a question email Plantcare@ladybirdplantcare.co.uk