Our last posting day before Christmas will be the 20/12/24 🎄We will re-open and send non-live orders and nematodes on the 02/01/25 🎄 Dispatch of live predators will recommence on the 06/01/25 🎄 From everyone at Dragonfli, we would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!🎄
£19.95
Thrips are the smallest winged insects, and there are about six species of Thrip that cause damage to plants in greenhouses and indoor growing. Thrips have six stages in their life cycle; egg, two larval stages, pre-pupa, pupa and adult. The larvae and the adults feed on plants. The adults are tiny, dark coloured, pencil shaped insects, often found in flowers. The larvae are often found on the leaves. The Thrip pierce plants when feeding, causing plant tissue to die. This will be evidenced by silvery scratches on leaves with tiny black marks on.
A subscription of swirskii introductions is the best way of achieving results from our Thrip Preventative System. A subscription ensures populations of swirskii are maintained to counter Thrip populations before damage to plants is sustained, and helps ensure swirskii are present as soon as Thrip appear. If there are already very high numbers of Thrip present before swirskii 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.
These sachets contain the predatory mite Amblyseius swirskii. This predatory mite feeds on multiple stages of the Thrip larvae present on the plant foliage itself.
The swirskii predators are supplied in a unique foil sachet. We advise using these swirskii sachets against the various Thrip species. Each sachet will release predators for 3-4 weeks giving you protection from outbreaks during this period.
Amblyseius swirskii have also been proven to consume Whitefly Eggs, providing an additional control against an alternate pest. To apply the swirskii against Whitefly simply refer to the same application instructions detailed below.
The Amblyseius swirskii predator outperforms the alternative Amblyseius cucumeris (provided they are used in the suitable temperature conditions) in killing Thrip. The swirskii predators will kill larger stages of the Thrip larvae, where the cucumeris will not. In this way, the swirskii eliminate more generations of the Thrip population. The swirskii do, however, require higher temperatures to be active then the cucumeris; 20℃ plus.
We advise applying foil sachets immediately against Thrip. It is recommended that you have an active sachet on your plants at all times, from propagation to full growth.
Amblyseius swirskii are active at temperatures over 20℃ and are tolerant to high temperature environments. This makes them ideal for use in glasshouses, polytunnels, and indoor growing environments. The relative humidity should be around 70% (lower levels can result in lower egg hatch rates).
Each sachet will release fresh predators for a minimum of 4 weeks. These sachets should then be replaced to keep a steady flow of fresh predators on the plant.
We recommend applying the sachets at a rate of 1-2 per plant. This is based on an average plant height of 1m.
Simply hang the sachets on the plant from the convenient hooks provided. There is already a hole in the sachet so the predators can be applied straight away.
Full application instructions are provided on delivery.
Warning: Amblyseius swirskii is a non-native predator and can only be applied indoors and in glasshouses. By purchasing this product you are agreeing to these restrictions.
Unfortunately due to the 4-week life cycle you cannot store the sachets for later use. Apply the sachets immediately on receipt.
Amblyseius swirskii 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 swirskii 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.
Just as you can be allergic to cats, pollen, and dust mites, it is also possible to be allergic to the natural substances in predatory mites, feeder mites, and supplementary feeding products. If you are particularly allergy prone and concerned about the potential effects of our mites please contact your local GP prior to purchase. Please note that allergic reactions to our mites are extremely rare.
