Targeted Biological Spider Mite Prevention
Stop the Outbreak Before It Starts.
Spider mites (Tetranychus spp.) are notoriously stealthy. By the time you spot the webbing or the characteristic stippling on your leaves, the colony has already established itself.
Phytoseiulus persimilis is the gold standard in biological control—an aggressive, obligate predator that feeds exclusively on spider mites. Our slow-release sachets transform this active hunter into a preventative shield, delivering a rolling population of predators to protect your high-value canopy.
How It Works: The Specialist Advantage
Unlike generalist predatory mites that might wander off to eat pollen or thrips, P. persimilis has a single biological directive: Hunt spider mites.
Each sachet functions as a miniature rearing system, releasing a controlled wave of eggs, juveniles, and adults over 2–4 weeks. This creates a standing army of defenders right where you need them—on the plant stems and foliage—preventing migrating mites from establishing a foothold.
Targeted Pests
These sachets are engineered specifically for web-spinning mites of the Tetranychus genus.
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Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae): Primary Target (High Efficacy)
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Carmine Red Mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus): Effective at all life stages
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Pacific Spider Mite (Tetranychus pacificus): Strong suppression
Note: As long as the mite species spins webs, P. persimilis will likely target it. It ignores other pests like Thrips or Aphids.
Is P. persimilis Right for Your Environment?
Phytoseiulus is a high-performance predator that thrives in specific conditions. Use this guide to determine if it fits your IPM strategy.
Ideal Use Case:
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Pest: You are dealing exclusively with Spider Mites.
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Climate: Warm & Humid (68–85°F / 60%+ RH).
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Strategy: Preventative "insurance" for high-value crops.
Avoid Use If:
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Pest: You need to control Thrips, Broad Mites, or Russet Mites (Use A. swirskii or A. andersoni instead).
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Climate: Cool, dry, or drastically fluctuating environments.
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Strategy: You are treating a massive, established infestation (Use P. persimilis in bottles for immediate knockdown).
Why Choose Sachets Over Bottles?
For growers managing greenhouses, nurseries, or indoor grow tents, sachets offer a "set it and forget it" solution.
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Sustained Release: Provides continuous protection for up to 4 weeks, bridging the gap between manual sprays.
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Precision Deployment: Hang directly on the plant to minimize travel time for the predators.
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Clean Application: No carrier material mess on your foliage; ideal for ornamental and tissue culture acclimation.
Application Instructions
For Best Results: Hang High, Keep Dry. P. persimilis naturally moves upward toward heat and light, which is also where spider mites congregate.
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Preventative Rate: 1 sachet every 3–6 feet (roughly every other plant).
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Hot Spot/High Value: 1 sachet per plant.
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Placement: Hang on the main stem or a branch near the canopy.
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Care: Avoid directly misting the sachet. Water damages the rearing media inside.
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Frequency: Replace every 2–4 weeks during active pest seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are P. persimilis sachets safe for pets and people? Yes. These are 100% non-toxic and safe for humans, pets, and pollinators. There is no re-entry interval required after application.
Can I use these sachets on flowering plants? Absolutely. Because the mites are contained in the sachet and only exit to hunt, there is no loose bran or vermiculite to dirty your flowers or resin.
How do I store the sachets if I can't hang them immediately? Phytoseiulus persimilis is a live product. We recommend hanging immediately upon arrival. If necessary, store at 45–55°F for a maximum of 24 hours. Do not freeze or store in a refrigerator with a dehumidifier (like a standard kitchen fridge).
Shipping & Guarantee
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Freshness: Ships via 2-Day Air to ensure viability.
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Live Arrival Guarantee: We stand by the quality of our microbiology.
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Support: Questions about your specific crop? Contact us for a tailored IPM consultation.
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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