Professional Thrips Prevention & Control
Maintain the integrity of your collection with Neoseiulus cucumeris, the industry standard for biological thrips management. These specialized predatory mites are the first line of defense for serious growers, targeting thrips larvae before they can mature and cause irreversible leaf silvering or scarring.
While renowned for thrips control, Cucumeris are versatile generalists, also providing effective suppression of Broad Mites, Cyclamen Mites, and Two-Spotted Spider Mites.
The Biological Advantage
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Preventative Power: Unlike chemical interventions, Cucumeris can survive on pollen in the absence of prey, allowing you to establish a "standing army" on your plants.
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Precision Targeting: These predators focus specifically on the first instar larvae of Western Flower Thrips and Onion Thrips.
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Non-Toxic & Sustainable: A high-end, residue-free solution that is safe for homes, greenhouses, and sensitive aroids.
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Scientific Resilience: Effective across a broad range of indoor conditions, remaining active between 65°F and 85°F.
Selection Guide: Find Your Fit
We provide meticulously calculated mite counts to ensure optimal coverage without waste. Choose the tier that matches your current collection size or the severity of your pest pressure.
| Variant | Predator Count | Ideal For |
| Up to 4 Plants | 1,000 Mites | Small cabinets or localized "hotspot" treatment. |
| Up to 20 Plants | 5,000 Mites | Standard grow tents and moderate hobbyist collections. |
| Up to 80 Plants | 20,000 Mites | Large plant rooms or professional nursery benches. |
| Up to 200 Plants | 50,000 Mites | Comprehensive greenhouse coverage or heavy knockdown protocols. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply Cucumeris?
Gently rotate the container to distribute the mites evenly within the carrier. Sprinkle the mixture directly onto the foliage of your plants, focusing on new growth points and "crotches" where thrips larvae like to hide.
How long does it take to see results?
Biological control is a marathon, not a sprint. While the mites begin hunting immediately, it typically takes 2–3 weeks to see a noticeable reduction in the thrips population as the life cycle is interrupted.
Can I use this with Myco-biocides or Neem oil?
Cucumeris are compatible with most beneficial fungi (like Beauveria bassiana), but we recommend waiting 7 days after any heavy oil or soap applications before releasing your mites to ensure their survival.
What are the ideal environment settings?
For peak performance, maintain a temperature of 65°F – 85°F. Humidity is key for egg hatching; aim for a minimum of 60% RH for the most successful colony establishment.
Optimal Performance Tips
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Release Timing: For best results, release mites in the early morning or evening when lights are dimmed and temperatures are lower.
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Consistency: For active infestations, we recommend bi-weekly releases for three consecutive cycles.
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Storage: Release within 24 hours of arrival. If necessary, store in a cool, dark place at 55°F–60°F. Do not refrigerate.
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.
Mite Matters
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Invisible weather shapes every growing space. Warm air pools under lights, cool air settles near the floor, and in between, tiny predators decide where they’ll thrive. Learn how microclimates influence the balance between plants, pests, and the mites that keep them in check.
If Ladybugs Are Just Going to Fly Away, Why Use Them?
Most ladybugs don’t fly off out of spite — they leave when the environment isn’t right. Learn how temperature, humidity, and shelter affect whether they settle or scatter, and how to create the ideal setup that keeps them working where you need them most.