Phytoseiulus Persimilis | Mite Predator | PERSIMILISforce

Product Description

PERSIMILISforce™ is the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, the specialist for knocking down two-spotted spider mite. It eats nothing but spider mites, and under good conditions its population outgrows the pest’s — which makes it the go-to choice for a fast knockdown of an active outbreak. Use it across vegetable, fruit, and ornamental crops, hemp/cannabis, and tree and shrub nurseries.

What it targets

• Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)
• Carmine Red Mite (T. cinnabarinus) and Pacific Mite (T. pacificus) — controllable at higher-than-normal rates

Crops it supports

Vegetable crops, fruit crops, ornamental crops, hemp/cannabis, and tree & shrub nurseries — in greenhouses, indoor facilities, fields, and gardens.

How Phytoseiulus persimilis controls spider mites

Under normal conditions this predatory mite’s population will outgrow any spider mite population, and adult females lay up to 60 eggs in their lifetime. Because persimilis eats only spider mites, it is excellent for a quick knockdown of that pest. Its optimum performance window is 70–85°F with relative humidity between 60–90%; significantly cooler or warmer temperatures slow its reproduction and development.

Release Rates

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

Release Instructions

Release method: Gently rotate or tumble the bottle or vial to distribute the mites evenly within the carrier, then open it in the crop and gently tap the mites out onto the foliage. Concentrate the bulk at release points on or near the most heavily infested plants. The vial product comes with a nipple cap for slow dosing — cut the tip to the size you need (a smaller opening releases more slowly). Because the instinct of persimilis is to run straight up, keep the vial vertical so they naturally move out onto the plant. Leave the bottle or vial in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all mites have exited.

Storage: Do not store the mites for more than 8 hours. Store the container on its side at a moderate humidity of 55–65°F until ready to release.

Monitoring: With diligent scouting they can sometimes be found on the foliage or flowers, but the clearest measure of effectiveness is a reduction in spider mite populations after release. Un-infested, undamaged new growth is another sign that persimilis is working.

Advisories: Be sure of your pest species. Phytoseiulus persimilis is not as flexible as some other predators for spider mite control, since it can only feed on certain Tetranychus species.

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.