Biological pest control company Beneficial Insectary is now producing both Amblyseius (=Neoseiulus) cucumeris and Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) at its facility in California. Domestic production in the U.S. is now benefiting growers in North America by reducing the transit time of perishable predatory mites between producer and grower. Amblyseius (=Neoseiulus) cucumeris, called ‘Ambly-C,’ is available as loose product in 50,000-count bottles and also in slow release sachets (bulk bag coming soon). Ambly-C mites target western flower thrips, as well as other pest mite species. Stratiolaelaps scimitus, called ‘Stratio-S,’ will come in bottles with a 25,000 mite count per bottle (bulk bag coming soon). Stratio-S mites are applied directly to the soil for control of fungus gnat larvae, western flower thrips pupae, and other soil dwelling pests. Beneficial Insectary will continue mass-rearing other bio-control agents such as its top-notch predatory green lacewings (Chrysoperla rufilabris), Trichogramma sp., fly parasites and other beneficials.
