Predatory mites

[Mr Chewbaca Himself]

I am looking into the use of predatory mites as a counter to spider mites. I have seen some but I wouldn't call it infested by any means. I do know that this can change quickly so I'm trying to be proactive.

Has anyone ever used Phytoseiulus persimilis to combat spider mites? They eat only spider mites and they eat at all stages of the spider mites life cycle.

 

[namvet25]

Never heard of them but good or bad bugs are not for me.

 

[Mr Chewbaca Himself]

Never heard of them but good or bad bugs are not for me.

I let em go today. Updates forthcoming.

 

[Redjimp]

I used them in the past, I remember it was important to keep the humidity at the right level so they can out reproduce the spidermites . I was very happy with the results as they saved a 4 by 4 scrog, nowadays I think if you only have the beginnings of a problem there is another predator available that can survive for a while without eating spidermites so can be used as a longer term preventative .

 

[Mr Chewbaca Himself]

I used them in the past, I remember it was important to keep the humidity at the right level so they can out-reproduce the spider mites . I was very happy with the results as they saved a 4 by 4 scrog, nowadays I think if you only have the beginnings of a problem there is another predator available that can survive for a while without eating spider mites so can be used as a longer-term preventative.

I can't remember the name but I did find one that can survive longer. Does the critter you mention eat the plant if there are no mites though? I have seen that which was a drawback to me.

I looked at the flowering plant yesterday and it looked clean. I didn't see anything on any of the leaves I trimmed or examined. I also looked at some of the flowers. I didn't even see any of the predator mites. I have not yet reached the web stage so I just feel like I need to keep fighting the good fight and crossing my fingers.