Predatory Mites for Hot & Dry Conditions
The Survivor Strategy: Pest Control That Takes the Heat.
If your grow space runs hot, your humidity fluctuates, or you are between pest flare-ups, Neoseiulus californicus is the predatory mite that won’t quit.
While other predators require high humidity to survive, A. californicus is built for resilience. These slow-release sachets deploy a steady stream of generalist predators designed specifically for environments where other beneficials stall out. They are not a "rescue" treatment for massive infestations, but they are the ultimate insurance policy against pests returning when the climate works against you.
How It Works: The Marathon Runner
Unlike the fast-acting P. persimilis (the sprinter), N. californicus plays the long game.
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Starvation Resistant: They can survive longer without food, making them perfect for preventative releases before pests are visible.
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Dietary Flexibility: If spider mites aren't available, they will feed on pollen or other small arthropods to maintain their population.
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Climate Hardiness: They remain active in temperatures up to 105°F and tolerate lower humidity (down to 40% RH) better than most predatory mites.
Targeted Pests
A. californicus is a Type II Generalist predator. While it prefers spider mites, it offers broader suppression capabilities.
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Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae): Primary Target (Prevention)
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Carmine / Red Mites (Tetranychus cinnabarinus): Effective suppression
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Broad Mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus): Preventative maintenance
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Russet Mites (Aculops lycopersici): Low-pressure management
When to Choose Californicus
Use this checklist to decide if N. californicus is the right tool for your current situation.
Go with Californicus If:
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Climate: Your environment is hot (80°F+) or dry (40–60% RH).
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Pest Pressure: You have low pest pressure or are "in between" outbreaks.
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Goal: You want to prevent a resurgence after a chemical spray or a heavy knockdown.
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Consistency: You cannot mist your plants daily to keep humidity high.
Do Not Use If:
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Active Outbreak: You see webbing, bronzing, or rapid spread. (Use P. persimilis in bottles for immediate knockdown).
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Cold Conditions: Temps are consistently below 50°F.
Application Instructions
Hang High, Keep Dry.
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Preventative Rate: 1 sachet per plant (for large plants) or 1 sachet every 2–3 feet (for canopy/rows).
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Placement: Hang on the main stem or a branch near the canopy, away from direct light intensity if possible.
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Frequency: Replace every 2–4 weeks based on heat intensity (sachets dry out faster in hot rooms).
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Important: Do not open the sachets. Mites exit through a micro-perforated hole engineered into the paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Californicus and Persimilis together? Yes. This is a common strategy. Use P. persimilis to attack hot spots (active infestations) and hang N. californicus sachets to cover the rest of the room and prevent spread.
Will these mites survive on flowering plants? Yes. N. californicus can feed on pollen, which allows them to stick around on flowering crops even if there are no spider mites to eat.
Are they safe for organic living soil? 100%. N. californicus is non-toxic, leaves no residue, and is safe for people, pets, and pollinators.
Shipping & Storage
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Freshness: Ships via 2-Day Air with a live arrival guarantee.
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Storage: Use immediately for best results. If necessary, store at 50°F for up to 48 hours.
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Warning: Do not freeze. Do not store near dry air sources (like standard refrigerators).
FAQ
How does the Live Guarantee work?
We know how important it is for your mites to arrive healthy and ready to work. That’s why we offer a live arrival guarantee—with flexible options depending on when we hear from you:
- Let us know within 24 hours of delivery: We’ll gladly send a free replacement shipment.
- Let us know within 2–3 days of delivery: We can offer store credit to make things right.
- After 3 days from delivery: Because these are living organisms, we’re not able to offer replacements or credit beyond that window. By then, it’s harder to know what went wrong or whether shipping conditions were a factor.
We truly want your mites to succeed—so please open your package as soon as it arrives and check on them. If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait—reach out and we’ll take care of you.
Where are you located?
We have a number of different locations in NJ, Maine and Oregon. While we'd love to have you, we are not currently open to the public.
Can I call you?
We get it. Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone, and on a case by case basis we can try to figure it out. Unfortunately though, we're really not able to take calls—FGMN is a small nursery, and we're usually elbows-deep in plants or packing boxes. To make sure nothing gets missed (and everyone gets a timely reply), we keep all communication in writing.
Feel free to message us at info@fgmnnursery.com. We mostly respond quickly, but every once in awhile replies may take a day. Do follow-up if you don't hear in that time. We're human, we miss an email here or there.
Too Many Options?
We get it. Try our mite/insect matchmaking quiz and instantly get matched to the solutions you may need.
Our Live Delivery Guarantee
We stand behind every leaf and every mite. If your plant or predatory insects don’t arrive alive on the first delivery attempt, we’ll make it right.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Email us at info@fgmnnursery.com within 24 hours of delivery
- Include clear photos of the item and the shipping label
- Someone must be available to receive the package—plants and bugs don’t do well sitting in the sun, a mailbox, or the back of a delivery truck
For plants, we offer store credit if something goes wrong.
For predatory mites and beneficial insects, you’ll have the choice of a replacement shipment or store credit.
If you contact us after the 24-hour window, we may still be able to help—just know it’s handled case by case.
We pack with care, insulate when needed, and check the weather before shipping. But once it’s in transit, the fastest way to protect your order is to open it right away.
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