Predatory Mites—Might Mites
Defending Your Garden

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The adult mites are about half a millimeter in length, and are beige to reddish beige. They are known for their speed.

There's no need to attract these mites since you probably already have some in your gardens. But if your garden is under attack, you can purchase predatory mites at many garden stores.

If you live in a dry area, try to create a humid microclimate for them, as low humidity can restrict their activity.

Here are four predatory mites that are likely doing their thing in your gardens.

Phytoseiulus persimilis

• P. persimilis is probably the most widely used predatory mite. It's the most widely used beneficial insect in greenhouse crop production.
• P. persimilis is used in biological control programs for all all Tetranychus species two-spotted spider mites.
• These mighty mites have been in commercial use for more than 30 years.
• They're predators in their nymph and adult stages, mostly feeding on spider mite eggs and nymphs, but also eating adults.
• Survival is poor if prey is in short supply after they've eliminated the spider mites. You may need to re-introduce the predatory mites to the area again if an infestation recurs.
• They do best at warm temperatures of 70-85 degrees F (21-29.5 degrees C) and higher relative humidity around 60%, which helps them develop faster than their prey.
• They do not perform well in cold or hot, or in very low humidity.

Neoseiulus (Amblyseius) cucumeris

• This predatory mite is used to control thrips, including the western flower thrips.
• First step thrips larvae are the main food source. Older thrip larvae are not a food source.
• N. cucumeris can also feed on other mites like cyclamen and broad mites as well as pollen.
• N. cucumeris do best at temperatures between 66 and 80 degrees F (19 and 27 degrees C), and at a relative humidity of about 70%.
• For best control, these predators must be introduced before the pest thrips appear in large numbers.
• A very large number of mites are needed for controlling the predators, but usually the price is low.

Iphiseius degenerans

• I. degenerans is known as the dark mite because it's dark brown in color.
• It's a bit more aggressive than N. cucumeris in attacking thrips. They will move into flowers in greater numbers.
• These predators are larger than other mites.
• I. degenerans will also feed on spider mites and pollen.
• The best conditions for the predators are temperatures between 65 - 85 degrees F (18 and 29.5 degrees C), and relative humidity from 60 - 85%.
• Some growers rear their I. degenerans on castor bean plants.

Hypoaspis miles

• These are predators that live in soil and feed on thrips in their pre-pupae and pupae stages, as well as fungus gnat larvae and springtails.
• H. miles adults range in color from tan to brown.
• Since they have a wide range of food, they can become established and persist for long periods.
• They live under benches, over pots and under growing media of the plant. Thus they can escape many pesticides that might be used in the garden.
• They move around at night.

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