Predatory Mites
The predatory mites look actively for prey (all life stages of the red spider mite) and suck them empty. The ideal temperature for predatory mites is between 15 and 25°C.
Application
Predatory mites are delivered in the adult stage. They are packed on vermiculite in a bottle. The bottles are closed with a screw cap that has a small opening in it. This opening is closed with a black washer.
After their arrival, the predatory mites have to be set out as soon as possible. The best time to do this is in the morning or in the evening, to avoid high temperatures. The predatory mites together with the vermiculite have to be spread out on the plants to be treated.
Slightly turn and shake the bottle several times to ensure the predatory mites are spread equally. Remove the cap and push out and discard the washer that closes the opening in the screw cap. Replace the cap and sprinkle through the opening.
One bottle of 500 pieces can treat a surface of 50 m² at early stages of infestation. If the problem is severe, more predatory mites should be introduced.
The treatment should be repeated after 2 or 3 weeks. In case of severe damage, it is better to remove the damaged leaves before introducing the predators.
High temperature and humidity promote a good development of the predatory mites.
Biological Control
Phytoseiulus
Red spider mite is a frequently occurring pest in vegetables and ornamental plants. With use of the predatory mite (Phytoseiulus) they can be biologically and efficiently controlled.
Red spider mite is a tiny yellow or brown mite and can be easily distinguished (with a hand lens) by the two spots on the sides of the body. Especially when the weather is warm and dry, a pest can spread very fast. The premature stages, as well as the adults feed on plant juice on the underside of the leaves, which stunts the growth of the plant. In case of severe damaging, the whole leaf surface can bleach or even shrivel and often a silky 'spinning' appears on the underside of the damaged leaves.