Use these beneficial mites to control fungus gnat larvae, thrips pupae and springtails in the soil.
Ships FREE via Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. Minimum 7-day processing prior to shipment.
Knockdown and Preventive Control of Soil Dwelling Fungus Gnats, Root Aphids, Thrips and Springtails.
This tiny, translucent brown to tan predatory mite naturally inhabits the top layer of soil where pest insect larvae and pupae dwell. Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis miles) is primarily used for treating and controlling fungus gnat infestations, but can also be released as a control measure for root aphids, spider mites and thrips. Female S. scimitus predatory mites lay their eggs in soil where the nymphs and adults feed on pests. Nymphal feeding focuses on eggs and immature larvae (instars) of fungus gnats in addition to pupal stages of thrips. If the infestation being treated is severe, use S. scimitus along with Sf Beneficial Nematodes and Yellow Sticky Traps. Consider using S. scimitus with A. swirskii or N. cucumeris if you are treating an active thrips infestation.
Life Cycle & Optimal Conditions for Release:
The S. scimitus life cycle lasts around 13 days and can accelerate or lengthen in different environmental conditions. Optimal conditions for S. scimitus performance are temperatures from 60-74° and high relative humidity. These conditions refer to soil conditions more so than atmospheric conditions as the Stratiolaelaps are most active in the growing medium. Cooler temperatures can have a negative impact on reproduction and development.
Release rates: Some crops benefit when higher release rates are used preventatively.
| Type of Application | Release Rates |
|---|
| General Releases | 5-10 mites per sq. ft. or 5,000-10,000 per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Heavy Infestations | 30+ mites per sq. ft. or 30,000 per 1000 sq. ft. |
| Weekly applications are recommended until infestations subside. Please call for more information. |
Instructions
S. scimitus feeds on a range of soil dwelling pests including fungus gnats, root aphids and thrips pupae. They should be applied directly to the growing medium. Release instructions for S. scimitus are found below. If you are a first time user of beneficial insects or mite predators, please call us at 1-800-827-2847 to walk through application instructions and best practices.
General Application Recommendations: Incorporate mites into growing media at potting or sprinkle onto growing media surface. Rotate tube several times before opening to mix contents. To open lid, push the cut-out on the lid where marked. Rotate lid cover to fully open position for application. Shake tube lightly and tap contents out gently to dispense mixture onto the surface of growing media; S. scimitus will quickly distribute through crop.
Environment: Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Interiorscapes, Container Plants
Storage: If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Viability Note: If you plan to check for viability, please do so upon receipt and prior to releasing the beneficial insects. Many predators and parasites are small and can be difficult to spot once released. If you believe there are issues with viability, please contact us imediately.
Technical
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Bean Thrips (Caliothrips fasciatus), Fungus Gnats (Bradysia impatiens), Root Aphids, Spider Mites, Springtails, Thrips (Franklinothrips spp)
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.
What's In The Package: S. scimitus fungus gnat and mite predators are shipped as adults mixed with immature stages to account for some mortality in transit. Release immediately for best results.
- 12,500 ct. – 16 oz. bottle with vermiculite.
- 25,000 ct. – 1 liter bottle with vermiculite.
- 50,000 ct. – 1 liter bottle (x2) with vermiculite.
- 125,000 ct. – 5 liter bag with vermiculite.
