Mite Control

Prices

	Small Garden	Large Garden
Single Release	$65	$85

All prices include delivery & GST

The following information can also be downloaded as a pdf: Mite Control

Two-Spotted Mite Control is simple, cheap and effective with Bug Central.

Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) have been commercially reared and used in Integrated Pest Management programs for more than 15 years. Persimilis are small, fast moving predatory mites that feed voraciously on two spotted mites. Two spotted mites are sometimes referred to as red spider mites as they over winter as a lighter red/orange colour.

Persimilis prefer warm, slightly humid conditions, and are therefore very good in green houses or similar enclosed environments. They are also very effective in small crops, such as vegetable gardens or small ornamental plants. For tree crops in hot environments, another predatory mite may be more suitable. Please email us if you require clarification of the best option.

Persimilis normally only require a single release, with numbers slowly building over 4 to 6 weeks. However, if higher numbers of mites are present, then a second release of Persimilis may be needed. Similarly, a second release is sometimes needed later in the season if mites are persistent

The Product consists of either 3000 or 5000 Persimilis, which are despatched in plastic bottles containing vermiculite as a carrier for the mites. Included with your order is information on releasing the predators, and ideas on controlling mites in a range of situations. 3000 mites is enough for a medium to large vegetable garden or household greenhouse, with the larger order suited to large gardens or in situations with high mite pressure.

Persimilis (L) and Two spotted mite (R)

Releasing the Persimilis is a simple as spreading the contents of each bottle evenly around the target area. Detailed information on the release method is included in the information booklet that will be emailed to you after placing your order.

To Order, simply choose the product option on our secure on-line order system. You will receive confirmation of your order within 3 working days. The product is delivered by Australia Post’s Express Post service, so delivery time is normally only 1 to 2 days from orders being processed.

How It Works!

Pests generally build up rapidly at the start of each new season, with predators & parasites not active until pests have reached damaging levels.  This is demonstrated in the table below.

Releasing high numbers of predators or parasites to coincide with this pest build up gives control before damage levels get too high.

After Release

Detailed information is not available on the toxicity of all pesticides, but it is fair to say that many will kill your Persimilis!  Some fungicides will also cause disruption to natural enemies, and it is better to avoid products that do not specifically detail their effects on beneficials.

Products such as tomato dust often contain highly toxic insecticides like Carbaryl.  Such products will kill most beneficial insects and should be avoided.

You should monitor pest levels after release to ensure the Persimilis are doing their job. However, the young mites are small and difficult to distinguish from young two-spotted mites, so identification is difficult.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) relies on a range of activities to reduce pests.  IPM does not aim to totally eliminate pests, as this is neither natural nor desirable. IPM seeks to achieve a balance between all organisms in the garden.

Releasing good bugs helps maintain this balance.  Using plants that encourage beneficial insects is also recommended.

If a pesticide does need to be applied due to a high level of pest activity, then select the product with the lowest toxicity possible.

Releasing predators and parasites after such an application is important, allowing time for the pesticide to dissipate, and to help restore the natural balance.

Green Lacewings are also an effective control agent for mites, as well as a range of other pests such as aphids, whitefly and thrips. Using these in conjunction with Persimilis if a range of pests is present may provide better results.

top