Monty Don Applies Dragonfli's Biological Control Of Fuchsia Gall Mite On BBC Gardeners' World
Dragonfli Supply BBC With Amblyseius Andersoni Predators As Monty Don Shows Off Biological Control Of Fuchsia Gall Mite On Gardeners' World
Friday, August 23rd's edition of Gardeners' World (Episode 22) featured Monty Don applying one of Dragonfli's biological control products for treating Fuchsia Gall Mite.
Monty was shown applying one of our Amblyseius andersoni sachets to Fuchsias in his greenhouse. Dragonfli were happy to supply the BBC with the product and such media interest further signifies how prevalent Fuchsia Gall Mites are this year.
What Are Fuchsia Gall Mites?
Fuchsia Gall Mites are difficult to detect as they are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. The damage they cause, however, is far more noticeable.
Fuchsia Gall Mite is a sap-sucker. Infestation will lead to the growth of Fuchsias becoming stunted and shoot tips will swell and distort. Flowers also often fail to develop.
This tiny mite can have several generations a year and outside is active
from May to September. In warm glasshouses, however, they can remain active all year.
Control Fuchsia Gall Mites Naturally With Amblyseius Andersoni
Although quite a recent pest in the UK, the Gall Mite is already largely resistant to insecticides. Luckily we have a native predatory mite that will seek out and consume Gall Mites. Amblyseius andersoni is supplied in bottles, or slow release sachets.
For a quick release, the predators can be shaken from our bottles directly over infected plants.
For a longer release, hang our sachets (this is the product Monty showcased on BBC's Gardeners' World) on the plant.
These sachets will release predatory mites for up to 4 weeks. For best results cut out infected growth and buds first, then allow the predatory mites to protect the new growth.
Comments (6 Responses)
Elizabeth Christ
I had an infestation of the fuchsias gall mite last year, I cut out all the affected areas and I’ve now cut them right back for spring. They don’t look particularly healthy, do you think there’s hope they’ll revive and should I still use the sachets at the end of May ? I’m so sad that I may have lost some of them and I’m nervous of getting new plants in case the same thing happens again. I’d be grateful for your advice.
Julian Ives
Hi Lindsey,
Many thanks for getting in touch.
Sorry to hear that you’ve not had success with our Fuchsia Gall Mite Killer as of yet but we’re glad to hear that you’re willing to give our predators another go and confident that this time round they’ll be able to resolve any developing infestations. We’ve had plenty of positive feedback from customers about this product following Monty Don’s advocacy!
I would suggest that you hold off from applying the predators until the start of May when climatic conditions are optimal and pest activity can be anticipated.
If, upon your next application, you are still struggling please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us again and we’ll have a look into what’s going wrong for you.
In the meantime, if we can assist you any further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards, Julian Ives [Director, Dragonfli]
Lindsey Sharpe
Hi, I used your Gall Mite Killer twice last summer but to no avail. I’ve cut the plant right back over winter and I’d like to give it one more shot but I’m wondering when is the earliest/optimum time to use this again please.
Julian Ives
Hi Ric,
Thanks for getting in touch. That’s strange, it’s still showing when we view it. The segment on Fuchsia Gall Mite starts around 13minutes 30 seconds into the show.
Make sure you are watching the latest series, so episode 22 from 2024.
Hopefully you’re now able to find it.
If we can assist you any further, however, please don’t hesitate to ask and we’d be happy to help.
Kind regards, Julian Ives [Director, Dragonfli]
07 April, 2025
Julian Ives
Hi Elizabeth,
Many thanks for getting in touch and sorry to hear of the damage that your Fuchsias have sustained.
There is, however, still potential for a revival, particularly if you sprinkle some of our natural Soil Boost biostimulant in with the plant compost. This will provide a boost to the overall health of the plant, aiding it in its fight against pests and diseases.
I would also recommend to continue to apply our Amblyseius andersoni sachets this season. You can actually start to hang these from your Fuchsias now as temperatures have now warmed up suitably for the efficacy of this particular predatory mite.
You might wish to continue to replace these sachets every 4 weeks throughout the spring and summer to ensure that your Fuchsias maintain a constant presence of predatory mites to defend against any present or re-emerging Fuchsia Gall Mite infestations.
I hope this all helps but of course if you need any further assistance please don’t hesitate to reach out again and we’d be more than happy to help.
Kind regards,
Julian Ives [Director, Dragonfli]