Beneficial Mites have you covered

Predatory mites are microscopic, beneficial arthropods that feed on plant-damaging pests like spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnat larvae. Unlike harmful mites, predatory mites do not damage plants. Instead, they serve as a natural form of pest control, reducing infestations without the use of chemical pesticides. These mites are widely used in horticulture, greenhouses, and home plant care to maintain pest-free environments while promoting plant health.

Predatory mites locate their prey using movement, heat, and chemical signals emitted by pest populations. Once they find a pest, they pierce its body with their specialized mouthparts and consume it. Depending on the species, predatory mites may actively hunt their prey or wait for pests to pass by before attacking. Some species prefer to feed on early-stage pests, such as eggs and larvae, while others will consume all life stages of their target pests.

After reducing pest numbers, predatory mites will either move on in search of more food or their population will naturally decline. If pests reappear, a booster release of mites can help maintain control.

We offer a range of predatory mites and beneficial insects, each specialized in controlling different plant and soil pests. These natural predators provide an effective, pesticide-free solution for managing infestations in greenhouses, grow tents, and home gardens.

Predatory Mites

These microscopic mites are highly effective against specific pests:

• Amblyseius cucumeris – Controls thrips larvae and some spider mites. Best used as a preventative measure in humid environments.
• Neoseiulus californicus – Feeds on spider mites, broad mites, and cyclamen mites. Works well for prevention and light infestations and can tolerate drier conditions than other predatory mites.
• Phytoseiulus persimilis – A specialized predator that exclusively feeds on spider mites, particularly two-spotted spider mites. Works best for fast knockdowns of infestations in humid conditions.
• Amblyseius swirskii – Targets thrips, whiteflies, broad mites, and some spider mites. Ideal for prevention and long-term control, especially in warm, humid environments.
• Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) – A soil-dwelling mite that feeds on fungus gnat larvae, root aphids, and other soil pests. Also used to control snake mites in reptile enclosures. Best for breaking pest life cycles before they emerge.

Beneficial Insects & Nematodes

In addition to predatory mites, we also offer other biological controls for both foliage and soil pests:

• Ladybugs (Hippodamia convergens) – Feeds on aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects. Each adult ladybug can eat up to 50 aphids per day. Best used in controlled environments to prevent dispersal.
• Green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla rufilabris) – Sometimes called "aphid lions," these larvae consume aphids, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, spider mites, and small caterpillars. Ideal for early-stage infestations before they mature into non-predatory adults.
• Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) – Microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that hunt down and kill fungus gnat larvae, root aphids, and other soil-borne pests by infecting them with bacteria.
• Praying mantis (Tenodera sinensis) – Large, generalist predators that consume a wide range of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and wasps. Best for outdoor use in gardens.

Each predator plays a specific role in pest control. If you're unsure which one is best for your setup, feel free to reach out for recommendations.

The application method depends on the type of packaging you receive:

• Bottled mites: These mites come mixed with a carrier medium such as bran or vermiculite. Gently rotate the bottle to evenly distribute the mites before application. Then, sprinkle the mixture onto plant leaves, stems, or the soil (depending on the pest you are targeting).
• Sachets: These small paper packets contain slow-release mites that gradually emerge over time. Simply hang them on plant stems, branches, or trellises. The mites will disperse from the sachet and begin searching for prey.

For optimal results:

• Apply mites early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid excessive heat or light exposure.
• Ensure that plants are slightly moist before releasing mites, as humidity can help with their survival.
• Avoid applying mites right after using chemical pesticides, as pesticide residues can harm them.

Predatory mites remain active as long as they have a food source. If pests are present, the mites will continue hunting and feeding. Once the pest population is reduced, the mites will naturally decline due to a lack of food. Some mites may disperse in search of more prey, while others may survive by feeding on pollen or other small organisms.

For long-term pest control, it is common to reintroduce predatory mites every 2–4 weeks, especially in environments where pest pressure is high.

Predatory mites should be released as soon as possible after arrival for the best results. However, if immediate application is not possible, short-term storage is an option:

• Temperature: Store mites at 50–60°F (10–15°C) in a cool, dark place such as a refrigerator. Do not freeze them.
• Storage Duration: Most species can survive in storage for 1–3 days, but this varies by species. Phytoseiulus persimilis, for example, has a shorter storage tolerance and should be released immediately.
• Handling: Keep mites in their original container and do not expose them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures before release.

The speed at which predatory mites control pests depends on several factors, including pest population size, environmental conditions, and the species of mites used.

• Preventative releases: If mites are introduced before pests become a problem, they will establish populations and prevent outbreaks. This is a slow but highly effective strategy.
• Active infestations: When treating an existing pest problem, some mites (such as Phytoseiulus persimilis) work quickly, visibly reducing spider mite numbers within 2–5 days. Other species may take 1–2 weeks to provide full control.

Yes, predatory mites can completely eliminate pests when used correctly and as part of an ongoing pest management strategy. Achieving full control depends on several factors, including pest pressure, environmental conditions, and the frequency of predator releases.

For best results, predatory mites should be applied proactively and monitored over time. A single release may be sufficient for light infestations, but multiple releases are often necessary for larger outbreaks. Integrating other biological controls, such as ladybugs, green lacewing larvae, or nematodes, can further enhance pest elimination.

Additionally, environmental adjustments—such as maintaining proper humidity, reducing dust buildup, and removing infested plant material—help create optimal conditions for predatory mites to thrive. With consistent application and monitoring, predatory mites can effectively eliminate pests and prevent reinfestation.

Predatory mites are extremely small and difficult to see with the naked eye. Instead of trying to find them, monitor pest population changes over time. A decline in pest numbers is the best indicator that mites are working.

If no improvement is seen after 1–2 weeks, consider:

• Checking environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)
• Evaluating pesticide history (residual chemicals may harm mites)
• Releasing a larger quantity of mites for heavy infestations