Have you read the introductory First Thing’s First?
Spider Mite Control Agents
Neoseiulus fallacis
Release these mites at sundown the day of receipt. To release, if supplied in grit, gently rotate the jar to distribute the mites evenly within the carrier. Next, open the jar in the crop and gently tap them out of the jar evenly onto the foliage of the plants in the area to be treated. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants. In trees, sprinkle the vermiculite or corn grit carriers into Dixie-like cups wedged into, or distribution boxes hung from, the branches. To release, if supplied on leaves, first toss them to mix then evenly disperse the whole trifoliate leaves or leaflets evenly onto the foliage of the plants in the area to be treated. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants or where mites are expected. In trees, place the leaves or leaflets into the canopy, if possible. With either carrier, leave the jar and filter paper, bottle or leaf tub in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all mites have exited. Supplying these predators with certain plantings (flowering, pollen producing plants), at or near the release site, may increase their egg laying activity. Do not store N. fallacis mites in the jar for more than 12 hours, or in the leaf tray for more than 18 hours. Hold at a humid 40-45°F (fridge best).
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Mixed Mites
Release these mites at sundown the day of receipt. To release, if supplied in grit, gently rotate the jar to distribute the mites evenly within the carrier. Next, open the jar in the crop and gently tap them out of the jar evenly onto the foliage of the plants in the area to be treated. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants. In trees, sprinkle the corn grit carriers into Dixie-like cups wedged into, or distribution boxes hung from, the branches. To release, if supplied on leaves, evenly disperse the whole trifoliate leaves or leaflets evenly onto the foliage of the plants in the area to be treated. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants or where mites are expected. In trees, place the leaves or leaflets into the canopy, if possible. With either carrier, leave the jar and filter paper, bottle or leaf tub in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all mites have exited. Supplying these predators with certain plantings (flowering, pollen producing plants), at or near the release site, may increase their egg laying activity. Do not store G. occidentalis, M. longipes, or N. californicus mites jar for more than 8 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 50-60°F.
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Feltiella acarisuga
Release these midges at sundown upon receipt by hanging the tray and its contents, after opening the unit, very close to a major spider mite center and well within the foliage of the infested planting, being sure to protect the tray from sun and water. When the midges have begun to emerge, or if they arrive already emerged, shake well the bottle and spray some of the oviposition stimulant (light green liquid in spray bottle which must stay refrigerated) near the release site in close proximity to the primary outbreak. Do not spray in other areas as this will confuse the midges. The balance of the stimulant may be applied to other areas as well, but only after emergence and some establishment has taken place in the primary release center. Repeat applications of stimulant may be made to the same area but are not necessary. Do not use the stimulant if it has not been refrigerated or is over seven days old. The stimulant is not an insecticide and will not harm plants or biocontrol agents. Do not store the emerged adults in the tray for more than 4 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 55-60°F. Do not cold-store the midges’ pupae for more than 2 days. Hold at a moderately humid 55-60°F. Don’t store the oviposition stimulant for more than 7 days. Store at 45-55°F (fridge best). Shake well before use.
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Phytoseiulus persimilis
Release these mites at sundown the day of receipt. To release, if supplied in vermiculite, gently rotate the bottle to distribute the mites evenly within the carrier. Next, open the bottle in the crop and gently tap them out evenly onto the foliage of the plants in the area to be treated. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants. In trees, sprinkle the vermiculite carriers into Dixie-like cups wedged into, or distribution boxes hung from, the branches. To release, if supplied on leaves, evenly disperse the whole trifoliate leaves or leaflets evenly onto the foliage of the plants in the area to be treated. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants or where mites are expected. In trees, place the leaves or leaflets into the canopy, if possible. With either carrier, leave the jar and filter paper, bottle or leaf tub in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all mites have exited. Supplying these predators with certain plantings (flowering, pollen producing plants), at or near the release site, may increase their egg laying activity. Note regarding leaves: Don’t place them too far from your mite population as they need a steady food supply to work. Do not store P. persimilis mites in the bottle for more than 8 hours, or in the leaf tray for more than 12 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 50-60°F.
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Stethorus punctillum
Release these beetles at sundown the day of receipt. Mist the foliage of the plants to be treated just prior to release. To release, open the bottle in the crop and gently tap out the beetles directly onto the foliage of the infested plants, or evenly throughout the crop if the infestation is widespread. If the adult beetles begin to exit too quickly or dispersal control is not manageable (which may happen when they’re warm), cool them then try removing the filter paper and re-securing the cap or lid, then release the beetles through the cap’s opening. Concentrate the bulk of them at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants. For any that will not readily come out of the bottle, simply tuck the perching material inside the bottle into the foliage of a plant, preferably one with a heavy pest population. Use this technique for tree releases, and try to get the perching material into the canopy. Do not store the adult beetles in the bottle for more than 12 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 55-65°F.
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