Biological Pest Control For Safe Natural Gardening
£8.99
Thrips are the smallest winged insects. There are about six species that cause damage to plants in greenhouses and indoor growing. Thrips have six stages in their life cycle; egg, 2 larval stages, pre-pupa , pupa and adult. The larvae and the adults feed on plants. The adults are tiny, dark coloured, pencil shaped insects, often found in flowers. The larvae are often found on the leaves. The Thrip pierce plants when feeding, causing plant tissue to die. This will be evidenced by silvery scratches on leaves with tiny black marks on.
These premium Thrip killer sachets contain the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii. This predatory mite feeds on multiple stages of the Thrip larvae present on the plant foliage itself.
The swirskii predators are supplied in a unique foil sachet. We advise using these swirskii sachets against the various Thrip species. Each sachet will release predators for 3-4 weeks giving you protection from outbreaks during this period.
Severe Thrip infestations will require a programme of monthly sachet introductions.
Our premium predator Amblyseius swirskii outperforms the alternative Amblyseius cucumeris (provided it is used in the suitable temperature conditions). The swirskii predators will kill the larger stages of the Thrip larvae, where the cucumeris does not, and in doing so will eliminate more generations of the Thrip population. Swirskii mites will also consume Whitefly eggs, and so provide an additional protection. The swirskii do, however, require higher temperatures to be active than the cucumeris (20℃ plus).
We advise applying foil sachets immediately against Thrip. It is recommended that you have an active sachet on your plants at all times, from propagation to full growth.
Amblyseius swirskii are active at temperatures over 20℃ and are tolerant to high temperature environments. This makes them ideal for use in glasshouses, polytunnels, and indoor growing environments. The relative humidity should be around 70% (lower levels can result in lower egg hatch rates).
Each sachet will release fresh predators for a minimum of 4 weeks. This should then be replaced to keep a steady flow of fresh predators on the plant.
We recommend applying the sachets at a rate of 1-2 per plant. This is based on an average plant height of 1m.
Simply hang the sachets on the plant from the convenient hooks provided. There is already a hole in the sachet so the predators can be applied straight away.
Full instructions are provided on delivery.
Warning: Amblyseius swirskii is a non-native predator and can only be applied indoors and in glasshouses. By purchasing this product you are agreeing to these restrictions.
Unfortunately due to the 4-week life cycle you cannot store the sachets for later use. Apply the sachets immediately on receipt.
Amblyseius swirskii is a living creature and can be affected by any chemical pesticides used within the previous few weeks. As a general guide, refrain from using Pyrethrum or SB Plant Invigorator 2 days prior to use. Other chemicals insecticides can have long lasting residues that could harm swirskii and other predatory mites for much longer periods. Refrain from using these products or check with Dragonfli for information on the effect of these products on the predatory mites.