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 (14 Responses)
Ann Dunne
Have you any advice on how to combat agapanthus gall midge ? Thanks
Julian Ives
Hi Elizabeth,
Many thanks for getting in touch and sorry to hear of your Fuchsia Gall Mite infestation.
It is a bit late in the season for predatory mite applications to treat this particular pest, so I would suggest to refrain from any introductions until next Spring and Summer.
I would anticipate that these colder temperatures are the reason for which the predators were not effective for you on this occasion.
You could instead apply some of our SB Plant Invigorator or Plant Soap to the infested Fuchsias; ideally directly onto the visible pests, or damage symptoms that point to pest activity.
Neither of these products leave poisonous residue on plants. SB works via physical action, suffocating the pests, and our Plant Soap consists of 100% organic ingredients.
If the battle does not look winnable at this stage, and the sprays do not have the requisite effect, I would indeed suggest to cut back and remove any damaged material.
When temperatures warm up sufficiently again, I would then strongly recommend application of further Amblyseius Andersoni sachets. These will release predators for a period of 4 weeks to predate on any newly emerging or small infestations; offering you a predatory patrol on your Fuchsias.
I hope this helps but if you need any further assistance please don’t hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Julian Ives [Director, Dragonfli]
Julian Ives
Hi Philippa,
Many thanks for getting in touch and sorry to hear of your Fuchsia Gall Mite infestation.
It is indeed a bit late in the season for predatory mite applications to treat this particular pest, so I would suggest to refrain from any introductions until next Spring and Summer.
Amblyseius andersoni are active from 14℃ and above, with an optimum temperature being between 20-28℃, so can be introduced as soon as conditions warm up sufficiently next year.
You could also apply some of our natural Plant Soap to the infested areas and this will kill present pests on contact, if you need to treat your Fuchsias before temperatures are appropriate for application of our predators.
With regards to your hanging baskets, I would suggest to cut back and remove any damaged material as this will help prevent a re-emerging establishment of the infestation. You can then deploy a combination of our Amblyseius Andersoni Sachets or bottles of the predators to ensure a predator armoury are active next year to predate the pests.
I hope this helps but if you need any further assistance please don’t hesitate to ask.
Kind regards,
Julian Ives [Director, Dragonfli]
Elizabeth Brough
I’ve recently moved to a bungalow that is surrounded by heavily infested fushias gall mites. I purchased a large quantity of your sachets and cut the plants and attached the sachets to them.
On inspection recently I was horrified to see the looked even worse.
Should I just dig them out or cut them right back and sprinkle instead.?
Any advice would be helpful please.
16 June, 2026
Avril Staple
Hello. Will this work on white fly on my rhododendron? It’s in a pot.
Thank you.