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Bugs for Bugs Phytoseiulus persimilis
Bugs for Bugs Phytoseiulus persimilis supplies a fast-moving predator for two-spotted spider mite and other specified spider mites. Adult Persimilis feeds on all spider-mite stages, while its immature stages feed on eggs and young mites. Early release into an identified infestation gives the predators a chance to follow the pest as it spreads through suitable foliage.
Adults are orange or red, while younger stages are pale, and their oval eggs can be found among spider-mite colonies. The predators disperse quickly after release, so they may be difficult to spot at first. Marking infested release points and checking them repeatedly helps reveal whether predator eggs and developing populations are appearing. Pest numbers can continue to rise initially while establishment is under way; a single early inspection does not tell the whole story.
Persimilis performs best in humid crops with substantial foliage. It is used in protected and field production, including berries, vegetables, ornamentals and indoor plantscapes. Dense, healthy foliage provides a more favourable microclimate, while hot, dry, windy and dusty conditions favour the pest. It is not suitable for tree crops in dry climates. Where pest pressure is already high, consider a compatible miticide before release, then continue a carefully managed IPM programme.
Tube contents are distributed over infested foliage, with extra material placed at hotspots. Regular plant checks and attention to moisture help support establishment, while follow-up releases can be directed by what is happening in the crop. Pesticide compatibility remains important even with products used after establishment: some residues are highly disruptive and can persist for a long period in protected crops. Release the living material promptly, avoid the hottest part of very warm days, and follow the cool-storage guidance specific to Persimilis if a short delay cannot be avoided.
NOTE: These are living mites with a short shelf life, so we don't hold them in store. Your order ships fresh, direct from the breeder.
Species image credits: Photo: Attelabus, Phytoseiulus persimilis on a piece of vermiculite, CC BY-SA 4.0. source; CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to square and resized.
Fast-moving predators that eat spider mites at every stage!
Feeds Across Stages
Adults consume spider-mite eggs, juveniles and adults
Builds In Foliage
Predators develop within suitable humid crop canopies
Supports Targeted Follow-Up
Marked release sites help track predator establishment
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Bugs for Bugs Phytoseiulus persimilis
Key Highlights
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Key Highlights
- Targets two-spotted and bean spider mites
- Predatory mites supplied in a loose carrier
- Used in protected and field crops
- Suitable for indoor plantscapes
- Red-orange adults and pale immature stages
Directions for Use
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Directions for Use
Application Rate
- Field crops: 3 - 10 mites per m² per release; make 1 - 2 releases at 1 - 2 week intervals.
- Protected crops: 10 - 20 mites per m² per release; make 2 - 3 releases at 1 - 2 week intervals.
- Strawberries: at least 2 mites per plant per release; make 1 - 2 releases at 2 - 3 week intervals.
- Hotspot treatment: 20 - 50 mites per m² per release, repeated as required at 1 week intervals.
Application
- Introduce at the first sign of spider mites. Inspect dry areas, crop edges and windward sides, and mark hotspots for follow-up checks.
- Gently roll the tube to distribute the mites evenly. Remove the end cap and breathable cloth, replace the cap as a shaker, then spread the contents over infested foliage with extra material at hotspots.
- Monitor pest numbers and look for predator eggs.
- Rates are guides and depend on the crop and infestation.
- Maintain healthy foliage and minimise dust; appropriate watering can improve the microclimate during hot, dry periods.
- Where plants do not touch, light netting over the crop helps predators move between plants.
- Best crop conditions are 15 - 28 °C and relative humidity above 60%. Do not use for tree crops in dry climates.
Safety
Check pesticide history and side-effects. Avoid pesticides for at least 3 days after release where possible; some insecticides leave harmful residues for weeks or several months in protected crops.
Mancozeb and chlorothalonil are highly disruptive to these predators; choose any follow-up chemical treatment for compatibility.
Release promptly and avoid the hottest part of very warm days. If necessary, store tubes on their side for up to 3 days at 7 - 10 °C.
Beneficial Profile
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- Scientific Name: Phytoseiulus persimilis
- Beneficial Type: Predatory Mites
- Target Pests: Two-spotted spider mite; Bean spider mite
- Pack Sizes: 2,000 mites or 10,000 mites
- Carrier: Vermiculite
- Preferred Crop Conditions: 15 - 28 °C; relative humidity above 60%
- Suitable Environments: Protected and field crops; indoor plantscapes
2000 Mites
- Product Code: PP-1
10000 Mites
- Product Code: PP-2
Resources
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Resources
Shipping & Returns
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Shipping & Returns
Check delivery options for the currently selected item and quantity.
Estimate is for this item and quantity only. Final whole-order freight is confirmed at checkout.
We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at info@hydrooasis.com.au
If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
You can always contact us for any return question at info@hydrooasis.com.au.
Size: 10000 Mites
