Predatory Mites for Spider Mite and Thrips Treatment
Ultimate Control Mite Mix
Predatory mites are one of the most effective biological treatments for spider mites and thrips, and Ultimate Control Mite Mix is designed for moments when pests are already present and waiting things out is not the plan.
Ultimate Control Mite Mix is a broad-spectrum predatory mite treatment built for active infestations—the kind where damage is visible, growth is distorted, bronzing or stippling has appeared, or the pest situation refuses to stay neatly categorized. This is a treatment-focused blend, formulated to begin applying biological pressure immediately after release.
Instead of relying on a single predator, Ultimate Control combines multiple predatory mite species to deliver layered control across pest types, feeding zones, and environmental conditions.
What This Product Treats
Ultimate Control Mite Mix targets early and active stages of soft-bodied pests, including spider mites, thrips larvae, and other plant-damaging mites.
Pest Coverage by Life Stage
| Pest | Life Stage Targeted | Is Ultimate Control Appropriate? |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites (incl. two-spotted) | Eggs, larvae, nymphs | Yes – primary treatment |
| Thrips | Larval stages | Yes – active pressure |
| Broad mites | Active stages | Yes |
| Cyclamen mites | Active stages | Yes |
| Russet / eriophyid mites | Active stages | Yes |
| Whiteflies | Eggs, early larvae | Secondary pressure |
| Aphids | Adults | No |
| Adult thrips | Adults | No |
This predatory mite blend is especially useful when:
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Multiple pests may be present at the same time
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Symptoms point in more than one direction
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Pest identification is uncertain
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Damage is escalating and stabilization matters
Why This Predatory Mite Mix Works
Different predatory mites perform best under different conditions. Ultimate Control brings those strengths together to:
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Apply pressure across multiple pest species simultaneously
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Perform across a wider range of temperatures and humidity levels
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Continue working even when environmental conditions fluctuate
Compared to single-species releases, this approach delivers faster stabilization, reduces guesswork, and limits trial-and-error during treatment.
Predatory Mite Species Included
Ultimate Control Mite Mix contains live, active predatory mites selected specifically for spider mite and thrips treatment:
Neoseiulus californicus
A resilient generalist predator that controls spider mites across a broad temperature and humidity range. Especially useful when growing conditions fluctuate.
Amblyseius swirskii
A fast-moving predator that targets thrips larvae and other soft-bodied pests on leaf surfaces and new growth. Performs particularly well in warm, dense plant environments.
Amblyseius cucumeris
A reliable contributor to early thrips control, reinforcing coverage when pest identification isn’t perfectly clear.
Together, these predatory mites create layered biological pressure across pests, life stages, and feeding zones—resulting in more effective population collapse than relying on a single predator alone.
All mites in this bottle are live and extremely small. You may not see them after release. That is normal. Effectiveness shows up as declining pest activity, not visible mites.
When to Use Ultimate Control Mite Mix
| Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Active spider mites present | Ultimate Control Mite Mix | Immediate biological pressure |
| Suspected thrips larvae | Ultimate Control Mite Mix | Covers overlapping pests |
| Distorted or bronzed growth | Ultimate Control Mite Mix | Effective against eriophyid mites |
| Multiple pests may be present | Ultimate Control Mite Mix | Broad coverage reduces guesswork |
| Variable temperature or humidity | Ultimate Control Mite Mix | More resilient predator mix |
| No visible pests | Sachets | Designed for slow, ongoing prevention |
| One identified pest, low urgency | Single-species bottle | Precision when timing is flexible |
What This Does Not Treat
Ultimate Control Mite Mix is designed for mites and early-stage soft-bodied pests. It is not intended for:
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Aphids → Use Ladybugs or Aphidius
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Adult thrips → Use Orius (minute pirate bugs)
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Mealybugs → Use Cryptolaemus Montrouzieri
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Scale insects → Use targeted parasitoids or physical removal
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Fungus gnat adults → Use sticky traps (larvae require nematodes)
Matching the predator to the pest and its life stage is critical for effective biological control.
How to Use
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Sprinkle directly onto the soil surface
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Predatory mites naturally move upward to locate pests
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Avoid pesticides, oils, or sprays before and after release
For heavier infestations, reapplication may be required. Biological control is cumulative—each release increases pressure until pest populations collapse.
Dosing Guidance
Bottle options are labeled for average 6-inch pots.
Adjust dosing based on plant size, density, and pest pressure. If you’re choosing between “just enough” and “a little more,” slightly more is usually the safer choice during treatment.
Clean Biological Control
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No chemical residue
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No re-entry interval
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Safe for indoor plants and collector environments
Ultimate Control Mite Mix is for the point where pests stop being theoretical and start affecting your plants—and you want a biological response that is already in motion.
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
The Hidden Weather That Shapes Plant and Predator Life
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.
Where Did My Predatory Mites Go?
Released predatory mites but can’t see them anymore? Don’t panic. Their invisibility is exactly what makes them effective. Learn why they vanish, how they hunt pests out of sight, and why reapplying keeps your plants protected.