Cucumeris for Thrips & Mite Prevention
Thrips don’t show up all at once. They creep in quietly, settle into leaf folds, and multiply long before visible damage appears. Cucumeris Sachets are designed for exactly that moment—before a problem becomes a spiral.
Each sachet contains Amblyseius cucumeris, a proven predatory mite that feeds on thrips larvae and other microscopic pests. The mites reproduce inside the sachet and release gradually over several weeks, providing steady, preventative control where pests actually live.
This is long-game biological control. No sprays. No residue. No disruption to your plants or your space.
What Cucumeris Targets
Cucumeris is most effective against early-stage pests, especially:
Thrips (larval stages)
• Western flower thrips
• Onion thrips
• Greenhouse and ornamental thrips
Also feeds on:
• Broad mites
• Cyclamen mites
• Early spider mite stages
For active or heavy spider mite infestations, pair with a dedicated spider-mite predator.
For aggressive broad or russet mite pressure, use a specialist predator alongside cucumeris.
When to Use Cucumeris Sachets
Cucumeris works best when pests are expected, just beginning, or historically recurring.
Recommended for:
• Preventative thrips control
• Early detection scenarios
• Dense or layered foliage where pests hide
• Plants that are hard to spray evenly
• Growers who want sustained, low-maintenance protection
Active infestation?
Sachets are prevention and support—not a standalone knockdown. For curative control, pair sachets with cucumeris bottles and/or Orius. Apply bottles directly to hotspots while sachets maintain coverage over time.
How It Works
• Mites reproduce inside the sachet
• New predators exit gradually through a pre-made hole
• Multiple generations release over several weeks
• Predators spread through foliage and feed continuously
You won’t see them—and that’s normal. At ~0.5 mm, cucumeris mites are smaller than a grain of sand. If other beneficials in your system are alive, cucumeris is too.
Lifecycle & Feeding Behavior
• Eggs hatch in 2–3 days
• Larvae do not feed
• Nymphs and adults actively hunt
• Adults consume 1–5 prey per day
• Lifespan averages ~20 days
• Females lay 2–3 eggs per day under optimal conditions
This overlapping lifecycle is what allows sachets to provide sustained control instead of a one-time release.
Release Rates & Placement
Preventative:
• 1 sachet per plant
• Replace every 4 weeks
Curative support:
• 1–2 sachets per plant
• Replace every 3 weeks
• Always pair with bottle releases
Placement tips:
• Hang in shaded, sheltered spots
• Avoid direct sun and heat
• Do not open sachets
• Use the cardboard strip for handling
• Tear along perforations when installing
Best Conditions for Performance
• Temperature: Active from 59–77°F
• Optimal range: 68–77°F
• Humidity: 70%+ preferred
• Peak reproduction around 77°F
Compatibility Notes
• Allow oils or soaps to fully dry before release
• Do not combine with other generalist predatory mites
• Compatible with most IPM programs when applied correctly
If you’re unsure about pesticide compatibility, check a current beneficial-insect compatibility chart before application.
Product Details
• Species: Neoseiulus cucumeris
• Pack size: 500 sachets
• Count: ~250 predatory mites + prey mites per sachet
• Sachet type: Paper-based PLUS sachet
• Carrier: Bran
• Appearance: White sachets with exit hole
• Mites are beige, fast-moving, and extremely small
Sustainability & IPM Value
Cucumeris sachets replace repeated chemical sprays with living predators that work continuously. They reduce pesticide use, protect beneficial insects, and support long-term ecosystem balance—indoors or out.
What to Expect After Release
• Mites begin dispersing immediately
• Pest pressure declines gradually
• Protection lasts several weeks
• Reapply based on monitoring and plant density
This is prevention done properly—not a panic fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store sachets for later use?
Short-term refrigeration is acceptable up to the expiration date (typically ~1 month from shipping). Apply as soon as possible for best results. Always allow sachets to reach room temperature before use.
Will I see the mites?
Probably not. Cucumeris mites are microscopic. Their effectiveness shows up as reduced pest pressure—not visible movement.
Are cucumeris sachets safe indoors?
Yes. Safe for people, pets, and plants. Ideal for homes, offices, greenhouses, and interiorscapes.
Do sachets contain adult mites?
Yes. Sachets contain a mix of eggs, juveniles, and adults.
Can I use this on tomatoes?
Yes. Cucumeris performs well on tomatoes and can navigate their leaf structure. For spider mites on tomatoes, pair with a specialist predator.
Does cucumeris eat anything else?
It primarily targets thrips larvae and small mites, with some supplemental feeding depending on conditions.
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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