CALIforce™ – Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) californicus – spider mite predator

Product Description

CALIforce™ is the predatory mite Neoseiulus (=Amblyseius) californicus, a hardy generalist that keeps hunting spider mites even when prey is scarce. Every active stage is predatory: it feeds on all stages of spider mites — including the eggs — averaging about five prey a day, with a strong preference for two-spotted spider mite. It is most effective at low prey density, shrugs off warm, dry conditions better than many predators, tolerates cooler conditions, and can survive long stretches with no food. Available in bottles, shaker tubes, and slow-release sachets, it works across vegetable crops, soft fruits, ornamentals, hemp/cannabis, and tree nurseries, in greenhouses, indoor facilities, fields, and gardens.

What it targets

• Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)
• Carmine Mite (T. cinnabarinus)
• Lewis Mite (Eotetranychus lewisi)
• Banks Grass Mite (Oligonychus pratensis)
• European / Citrus Red Mite (Panonychus spp.)

It will also feed on thrips larvae and pollen, which helps it persist between mite outbreaks.

Crops it supports

Vegetable crops, soft fruits, ornamental crops, hemp/cannabis, and tree nurseries — in greenhouses, indoor facilities, fields, and gardens.

How Neoseiulus californicus controls spider mites

Every active life stage of californicus is predatory. Adults prefer the larvae and nymphs of spider mites, while the larvae mainly eat spider mite eggs, so the population works across the whole pest life cycle. It is noted for hunting where prey is scarce and performing at low prey density, which makes it a strong preventative choice — and its tolerance of warm, dry, and cooler conditions gives it a wide working window.

Release Rates

Best used in areas where little to no prey mites exist yet — it works well for prevention, and is also useful against other mites.

Cannabis Alert: Release rate suggestions on these pages are usually not sufficient for cannabis growers. For cannabis release rates, contact us.

Release Instructions

Release timing: Avoid releasing in the heat of the day. Misting the foliage just before release can help but is not required.

Before release: Hold the container on its side for at least half an hour in a warm area so the mites warm up and distribute themselves evenly. When ready, gently rotate or tumble the container to spread the mites through the carrier.

Application: Open the container in the crop and gently tap the californicus evenly onto the foliage of the plants to be treated, concentrating the bulk at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants. Leave the container in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all mites have dispersed.

Storage: Do not store predatory mites for more than 8 hours. Hold at a moderately humid 55–65°F until ready to release, and do not refrigerate.

Monitoring: With diligent scouting they can sometimes be found on the foliage or flowers, but the best measure of effectiveness is a reduction in pest mite populations after releases.

Advisories: CALIforce™ is best used for prevention or when spider mite levels are still low; it is not advisable for moderate or heavy outbreaks. For active outbreaks, use Phytoseiulus persimilis instead.

Life Cycle

Disclosures

Live product: Beneficial Insectary strives to guarantee the live delivery of the freshest organisms to our customers. We offer replacements or credits for any compromised shipments to our customers that report any issues or concerns within 24 hours. These issues or concerns must be relayed before releasing any organisms that are suspected of having viability issues. Please do not discard the product. You may be requested to return the shipment for further analysis.

Establishment of BCAs in crop settings: Many variables can negatively or positively impact BCA and pest populations in the various crops we work with — pesticide applications, watering practices, improper storage methods, and cultural, physical, or mechanical controls among them. Some beneficial organisms require a steady pest presence as a food source to build their population. Others may require alternate food sources, such as pollen or nectar. Others still have specific photoperiod requirements for success. Due to these variables, we cannot guarantee the long- or short-term establishment of the BCAs we sell after the release of the organisms. We will not offer refunds, discounts, or other credits on products that have already been released. Please adhere to our live-product disclosure above.