Spider Mites

Hydro-Gardens
P.O. Box 25845
Colorado Springs, CO 80936-5845
888-693-0578
hgi@hydro-gardens.com

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON (MT. TIME)
THURSDAY TO SHIP THE FOLLOWING WEEK

All living beneficials will be sent by
2 Day Air or NEXT Day Air

Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae "Two-Spotted" or "Red Spider Mite"
The two-spotted spider mite or red spider mite is a major pest in vegetables, tropicals, and other ornamentals. It's tiny size makes it difficult to see. They prefer to feed from the bottom side of leaves located in the tops of plants where it is warm and dry, although as they travel along the plant, feeding marks can be found along the main vein of leaves near the petiole. As populations increase, plant damage spreads across the leaves.

Spider mites feed on plant cells and produce characteristic small, yellowish, speckled feeding marks. The feeding marks are usually the first sign of a mite infestation and are often confused with some fertilizer deficiencies. Fine, silken webs can be detected on heavily infested leaves and flowers with these plant parts quickly withering and turning brown.

Many insecticides have little or no affect in controlling spider mites. Their small size, their ability to exist close to the veins of the plants and because they are a different species of pest than other insects, controlling by spraying is extremely difficult.

Spider mites are sensitive to day length and are capable of diapausing (hibernating) within cracks and crevices of your structure. If you had spider mites last year, chances are excellent they will continue to be a problem this year.

Spider mite populations can explode under conditions of high temperature (above 85° F.) and low relative humidity (below 60% RH).

Spider mite Life Cycle
@ Temperature in ^oF	60	64	70	90
# of Days (Egg to Adult)	30	21	14.5	3.5

SPIDER MITE CONTROLS

Spider Mite Predators
When predatory mites are used as recommended to control this pest, success is practically guaranteed. These predatory members of the mite family will multiply nearly twice as fast as the spider mite population. Predatory mites only feed on other mites, they do not feed on plants.

Misting systems can help raise the humidity, cool the plants and slow the reproduction of spider mites. High temperature strains of predators are also available.

At an average of 68° F., predatory mites multiply at a weekly rate of approximately 4.6, while spider mites multiply at a weekly rate of approximately 2.7. About four days after a predatory mite egg is laid, it hatches and begins feeding on spider mites.

PP Phytoseiulus persimilis.

A predatory mite (Family: Phytoseiidae) This is the most frequently used mite predator to control two-spotted spider mites in greenhouses and outdoor crops grown n mild environments.
General appearance and life history:
Adult females are approximately 0.5 mm long, reddish in color, pear shaped and active at room temperature. About 80% are females. At optimum temperatures P. persimilis can develop from egg to adult in 7 days and live for up to 1 month. A well-fed female will lay about 50 eggs in her life time. Prey consumption is up to 7 adult spider mites or 20 eggs per day.
Environment:
Ideal temperature range is 70 - 85^oF (20 - 30^oC) with relative humidity of 70 - 80% inside the plant canopy. Minimum temperature for activity is 50^oF (10^oC). This predator does best when humidity is 60% or higher with a temperature range of 55^o - 105^oF.
Application Rate: Rates will vary depending on crop and level of pest infestation. Typical inoculation rate is 50/m² (1 / 5ft²) or 5 -10/plant. Predators should be released regularly every 2-4 weeks.

Part #	Description	Quantity per Pack	Price	-
5P367	Phytoseiulus persimilis	100	$8.00
5P367	Phytoseiulus persimilis	500	$13.75
5P367	Phytoseiulus persimilis	1,000	$15.00
5P367	Phytoseiulus persimilis	2,000 per Bottle	$15.80
5P367H	Phytoseiulus persimilis - "Hot Spot Vial"	2,000 per Vial	$18.50
ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON (MT. TIME) THURSDAY TO SHIP THE FOLLOWING WEEK All living beneficials will be sent by 2 Day Air or NEXT Day Air Phytoseiulus persimilis are very sensitive to heat in shipping During High Temperature Months (May - August) Next Day Air ONLY!!

ML Mesoseiulus longipes.

This reddish predator from S. Africa handles temperatures of 55^o - 105^oF. and the lowest RH of any of our predatory mites - as low as 45% at 70° F., requiring higher RH at higher temperatures.

NC Neoseiulus californicus.
This clearish colored predator will tolerate warmer temperatures from 55° - 90° F., and its humidity requirements are not as great as PP. This predator is often best for houseplants, and indoor gardening.

Combine high temperature predator mites for best price,
or request a mix (500 minimum)

longipes and califoricus and a Mix are sent direct
from the Insectary by Next Day Air ONLY!!

Part #	Description	Quantity per Pack	Price	-
5P365	Mesoseiulus longipes	100 (no mix)	$ 11.50
5P365	Mesoseiulus longipes	500 (no mix)	$29.75
5P365	Mesoseiulus longipes	1,000 (no mix)	$37.95
5P369	Neoseiulus californicus	100 (no mix)	$ 11.50
5P369	Neoseiulus californicus	500 (no mix)	$29.75
5P369	Neoseiulus californicus	1,000 (no mix)	$37.95
5P361	Mix	500	$29.75
5P362	Mix	1,000	$37.95
ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON (MT. TIME) THURSDAY TO SHIP THE FOLLOWING WEEK

As a preventative, introduce Phytoseiulus persimilis, Mesoseiulus longipes, or Neoseiulus californicus at the rate of 1 predator for every 5²ft of greenhouse area, soon after transplanting. Repeating the introduction two weeks later will insure overlapping generations of the predators. For control of an existing problem, introduce at the rate of 1 predator for every 25 to 50 spider mites. The more predators you release, the quicker you will gain control. Release instructions are included with each shipment.

We recommend this handy 30X pocket microscope to aid in identification of these and other insects. Part # 5E217 priced at just $9.95. click here to see a more information on this item.

Spider Mite Destroyers - Stethorus punctipes

These tiny Mite Destroyers eat all stages of Spider Mites, and find new infestation sites on their own by flying. But, it takes 4-6 weeks to really get these guys going, so use Predator Mites as well for more immediate control and for cleaning up small "trouble spots". Life cycle takes 18 days at 70 F. 100 Spider Mite Destroyers gets a colony started.

Part #	Description	Quantity per Pack	Price	-
5P364	Stethorus punctipes	50	$ 78.95
5P364A	Stethorus punctipes	100	$120.95

Spider Mite Predator - Feltiella acarisuga

Feltiella acarisuga is a predator midge used against Spider Mites. The adults fly around the plants, laying their eggs in the Spider-Mite colonies. The eggs soon hatch and the larvae devour the Spider Mites. Feltiella acarisuga can be used in low humidity environments where the Spider Mite Predators would have difficulty reproducing.

Fact Sheet & Release Instructions - To read PDF Format Documents -

Part #	Description	Quantity per Pack	Price	-
5P363	Feltiella acarisuga	250	$72.50

Cyclamen Mites

The damage caused by a cyclamen mite is vary similar to a russet mite. Female Cyclamen mites will lay 10 to 40 eggs in a 12 to 16 day life cycle. Females can reproduce without mating.

Tomato Russet Mites

Infestation leads to significant bronzing (rust) of leaves and stems. The damaged areas often crack and become distorted. Symptoms first appear at the base of the plants and gradually spread upwards. Most significant damage occurs on the tomato. The leaves may desiccate and drop off and infested plants are often killed. The Tomato Russet Mite is pale yellow-brown about .15 - .18 mm long and wedge shaped. With a high infestation, it is usually best to spray with sulfur then follow up with predatory mites.

Life Cycle

Development from egg to adult includes
two nymphal stages and is completed in just over 2 weeks.

Russet Mite/Cyclamen Mite Control - Galendromus occidentalis

Use G. occidentalis to control Spider mites & Russet mites.
A very adaptable mite predator that tolerates high temperatures
and high humidity (60-85%), both indoors and out.

Adults eat 1-3 pest adults or up to 6 pest eggs/day.
Release rates are 1-2 per sq/ft for greenhouse-bi-weekly, 1-2 applications.
2,000 - 5,000 per acre for field crops - bi-weekly, 1-2 applications.

Click Here to see tomato plant damage by Russet Mites

5P373

$23.25

1,000 bottle.

Galendromus occidentalis are sent direct from the Insectary Next Day Air.

ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY NOON (MT. TIME)
THURSDAY TO SHIP THE FOLLOWING WEEK

Spider mite Predators are very sensitive to heat in shipping
During High Temperature Months (May - August)
Next Day Air ONLY!!

Stiky Traps - Click Here for more information.

Many insects are attracted to the color yellow. These insects can be captured by hanging cards around your plants. Captured adults will not lay any more eggs on your plants. Yellow Stiky traps provide a means of controlling the flying stages of most pest insects.

"Fly-Barr" Insect Barrier - Click Here for more information.

When your exhaust fans are running, your intake vents are like a vacuum cleaner catching everything flying near the vents. Covering these intake vents with INSECT BARRIER will greatly reduce the introduction of unwanted pests into your greenhouse. Clean INSECT BARRIER reduces your airflow less than 5%.