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Phytoseiulus persimilis - Spider Mite Curative System


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What Are Spider Mites & How Do I Identify Them?

There are several species of Spider Mite with the most common being the Two Spotted Spider Mite (tetranychus urticae). These mites have an oval body and eight legs. They vary in colour from green, yellow, orange-red and dark brown. The eggs are circular and generally located on the underside of leaves. The damage will be evident with the yellowing of leaves, especially on the underside. Yellow dots will also show on top with the whole leaf eventually turning yellow. Spider Mites can also produce webbing on leaves when the population is high.

What Are Phytoseiulus Persimilis Mites & How Can They Help?

Phytoseiulus persimilis is a predatory mite used to kill the Red Spider Mite, and is particularly effective at tackling severe infestations and Spider Mite hotspots.

Phytoseiulus predatory mites are the most commonly used form of biological pest control against the Red Spider Mite in greenhouses and protected growing environments. These predatory mites feed on all stages of the Spider Mite's life cycle, from egg to adult.

The life cycle of the Phytoseiulus is faster than that of the mites they feed on. In suitable conditions the predators are able to double their population every two days, and are capable of consuming five adult Spider Mites and 20 Spider Mite larvae each day. This leads to a rapid reduction in the Spider Mite population and helps prevent plant damage.

Our Phytoseiulus Predators Are Nutritionally Bolstered & Able To Feed On Spider Mites More Quickly

Dragonfli supply Phytoseiulus persimilis that are bred in optimal conditions for development, whereby the predators benefit from extra nutritional intakes early in their production. This enables them to produce eggs more quickly and ensures the Phytoseiulus are more active on the plants, with higher energy levels. The predators can then locate, and feed, on Spider Mite much more quickly.

An amazing feature of the predators, that has come with this new form of rearing, is that the Phytoseiulus will change colour as they begin consuming the Spider Mites. The predators will change from a white to red colouring as soon as they start feeding.

When Should I Apply Phytoseiulus?

We advise using Phytoseiulus when Spider Mite is already present on the plant. This immediately releases a large number of active predators to bring infestations under control. Do not apply if you have used chemical treatments in the past 2 weeks. 

What Conditions Do The Phytoseiulus Require?

Temperatures should be between 15-28℃ and ideally at a relative humidity of around 75%If conditions are too dry, the predators will begin to move to the bottom of the plant seeking moisture.

How Many Phytoseiulus Mites Do I Need?

We recommend the following application rate based on an average plant height of 1m:

- 100 Phytoseiulus per plant

For severe infestations, where leaves show signs of webbing and yellow splotches, we advise doubling this rate and applying a second application 7-10 days after the first. 

These Phytoseiulus predators are packaged in a loose carrier material for instant release onto infestations. If Spider Mite remain present in large numbers we also advise the combined application of Phytoseiulus and Amblyseius californicus predators to tackle the infestation.

Also consider using our Amblyseius californicus sachets. 

How Do I Apply The Phytoseiulus?

Spider Mite often feed at the top of plants, so ensure the Phytoseiulus are released in that area of the plant, or in other evident hot spots of Spider Mite activity. The Phytoseiulus are supplied in shaker bottles, so you can apply the predators by rotating the bottle and gently shaking the contents directly onto the infested leaves of the plants. 

Phytoseiulus can also be applied using our Dragonfli Distribution Boxes, which will be more effective for larger plants. Distribute the shaker bottle contents into your boxes and hang them on the stems or leaves of your plants. The boxes act as small breeding sites for the predators and they will then proceed to exit the boxes and move around the plants.

Repeat applications may be required to maintain Phytoseiulus populations or applications of sachets, if the Spider Mite numbers were high when the predators were first applied.

Full application instructions are provided on delivery.

Can I Store The Phytoseiulus Mites?

We advise using Phytoseiulus straight away upon delivery, this ensures best results as the Mites will be fresh.

Chemical Pesticides

Phytoseiulus persimilis 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 Natural Pyrethrum or SB Plant Invigorator 2 days prior to use. Other chemical insecticides can have long lasting residues that could harm the Phytoseiulus 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.

Allergy Information 

Just as you can be allergic to cats, pollen, and dust mites, it is also possible to be allergic to the natural substances in predatory mites, feeder mites, and supplementary feeding products. If you are not allergic, but come into close and prolonged contact with certain substances, you could still develop an allergy.

Click here for advice on on the precautionary measures you can take to prevent or reduce any allergic reactions caused by the type of products mentioned above.

Customer Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
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C
Customer

Brilliant!

D
David

Worked brilliantly.

A
A.H.

My cucumbers are happy again the red spiders have gone.

H
Hannah
WOW!

Hi. I have just one word to describe Phytoseiulus persimilis - WOW!

They are my new eight legged best friends. After more than a year of battling an horrendous spider mite infestation, which migrated to my garden from a neighbouring student garden, I was absolutely desperate. I tried every eco solution going including solutions of diluted vinegar, diluted alcohol, diluted peroxide and then resorted to hosing them off daily- nothing worked for very long. I had lost hope because chemicals were not an option. Everything was dying, even the Ivy!? Then I remembered a YouTuber suggesting a spider mite preditor. So I found you online. You were my last hope.

My little preditor friends arrived on 9th June and I immediately sprinkled them on the neighbour's trees and plants and on all of my own, hanging little containers up in the branches. Then I prayed to the Gods, Angels and any other celestial entity who would listen...

Well, I'm AMAZED. It's been two and a half weeks and no new infected leaves have formed, the old infected leaves have dropped off and everything looks and feels happy again, including me. What a feast Phytoseiulus persimilis must be having!

Thank you so much 🙏🕷xox

J
Jason

Fantastic service as always thanks