Biological Spider Mite Control

Description:

The web of the tiny reddish spider mite is the tell-tale sign of their presence. They are barely visible to the naked eye but they suck the sap of plants, stunt new growth and cause leaf fall. They spin their fine, silky webs on the underside of leaves which become mottled and rusty in colour.

The predators supplied are on leaf as complete colonies of adults, juveniles and eggs ( Phytoseiulus eggs are pink in contrast to the yellow eggs of the spider mite). They are simply distributed by introducing directly onto infested foliage - the leaves the right way up to shade the eggs with the young predators on the undersides. In 3-4 weeks you should see new growth remaining green and clear of infestation.

The predatory mite can be used to control red (two-spotted) spider mite under glass throughout the year, and outdoors in sheltered situations during the summer. They need a minimum temperature of 10C (50F), optimum 15-28C, with moderate to high humidity. Introduce immediately on receipt. One application should be sufficient unless spider mites re-invade from outside.