Amblyseius Californicus Sachet Subscriptions - Spider Mite Preventative System

What Are Spider Mites & How Do I Identify Them?

There are several species of Spider Mite with the most common being the Two Spotted Spider Mite (tetranychus urticae). These mites have an oval body and eight legs. They vary in colour from green, yellow, orange-red and dark brown. The eggs are circular and generally located on the underside of leaves. The damage will be evident with the yellowing of leaves, especially on the underside. Yellow dots will also show on top with the whole leaf eventually turning yellow. Spider Mites can also produce webbing on leaves when the population is high.

The Benefits Of An Amblyseius Californicus Subscription

A subscription of californicus introductions is the best way of achieving results from our Spider Mite Preventative System. A subscription ensures populations of californicus are maintained to counter Spider Mite populations before damage to plants is sustained, and helps ensure californicus are present as soon as Spider Mite appear. If there are already very high numbers of Spider Mite present before californicus introductions have started, control of the pest can take a longer period of time.

The despatch of sachets for such subscriptions will be arranged at 4 weekly intervals.

What Are Amblyseius Californicus Mites & How Can They Help?

Amblyseius (Neoseiulus) californicus is an effective predator of the Two Spotted Mite (Tetranychus urticae) commonly known as the Red Spider Mite. It can also be used against Broad Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus).

The Amblyseius californicus are supplied in a unique foil sachet. Each sachet will slowly release the predators for around 4 weeks, protecting the plant from outbreaks during this time.

If Spider Mite are already present in large numbers we advise using our Phytoseiulus persimilis predators which can be applied with the Amblyseius californicus.

The Benefits Of Foil Sachets:

• Each foil sachet can produce up to 3x more predators than the paper equivalents! That's around 750 predators per sachet.
• The superior quality of foil sachets ensures the predator breeding system has perfect internal conditions. This creates larger numbers of higher quality and healthier predators.
• Foil sachets ensure the breeding system is better protected against environmental conditions such as; temperature variations, dampness from watering, changes in humidity and so forth.
• Foil sachets are compostable and can be disposed with plant waste.

When Should I Apply The Californicus Sachets?

We advise applying these foil sachets immediately against Spider Mites. This means you should have an active sachet on your plants at all times; from propagation to full growth. Do not apply if you have used chemical treatments in the past 2 weeks. Amblyseius californicus must only be applied indoors, it is not permitted for use outside on plants, as it is not classed as a native insect to the UK.

What Conditions Do The Californicus Require?

Temperatures should be between 10-35℃. Ideally there should also be a relative humidity above 60%, however lower levels can be endured by the californicus.

How Many Californicus Sachets Do I Need?

We recommend the following application rate based on an average plant height of 1m:

- 1-2 sachets per plant

When Will I Need To Replace My Sachets?

These sachets slowly release the predators for at least four weeks. The californicus have the ability to scavenge and use alternative food sources, which means they can survive for around 10 days without Spider Mite being present. This makes them the ideal predator to use as a preventative treatment. The  californicus will also reproduce on the plant and increase their population.

How Do I Apply The Sachets?

Simply hang the sachets on the plant. There is already a hole in the sachet for the predators to exit from, so the sachets do not need opening.

Full application instructions are provided on delivery.

Warning: Amblyseius californicus is a non-native predator and can only be applied indoors and in glasshouses. By purchasing this product you are agreeing to these restrictions. 

Can I Store The Sachets?

Unfortunately due to the 4-week life cycle you cannot store the sachets for later use. Apply the sachets immediately on receipt.

Chemical Pesticides

Amblyseius californicus is a living creature and can be affected by any chemical pesticides used within the previous few weeks. As a general guide, refrain from using Natural Pyrethrum or SB Plant Invigorator 2 days prior to use. Other chemical insecticides can have long lasting residues that could harm californicus and other predatory mites for much longer periods. Refrain from using these products or check with Dragonfli for information on the effect of these products on the predatory mites.