SPIDER MITE PREDATORAttacks all stages of spider mites (not effective on eggs of European red mites). Controls spider mites on many plants including fruit trees, grapes, corn , cotton, ornamentals and strawberries. Release rates for field crops:
2,000 - 5,000/acre of the first sign of mites.
A similar approach is recommended for the other crops, but the timing will vary depending on the crop species and when Lygus populations increase. Greenhouse releases:
2 per sq. ft. or 1 predator per 5 spider mites at the first sign of spidermites.
Later releases will require much higher numbers to be effective. In greenhouse, plants are needed to be maintained as low as 30% relative humidity. Mesoseius longpipes are highly perishable, they should be applied to the crop as soon as possible. It is recommended for mite control that a minimum of 3-4 releases will be needed in an indoor area (Greenhouse, Grow room, etc...) The release rate is as follows: 1 release 7 days apart for three weeks and one follow-up release 30 days after the third release. This usually controls your mite problem. If your growing outdoors, then you need to follow the same regiment, however, you may need to do more weekly releases. As with any biological control, your intention is to create a hostile environment to rid your plants of their pests. Trapping and monitoring of your grow site is an absolute so you know ow many pests per area you are fighting. True IPM is the use of biological controls as well as soft pesticides. If your plants are dying, it may be too late to use Biological control agents and you may need to react with pesticides. It is always best to be proactive, rather than reactive in the use of biological insect control.
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