Amblyseius swirskii - Foil Sachets - Thrip Preventative System

What Are Thrips & How Do I Identify Them?

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.

What Are Amblyseius Swirskii Mites & How Can They Help?

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.

Severe Thrip infestations will require a programme of monthly sachet introductions.

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 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.

Ambyseius Swirskii Are Highly Effective Thrip Predators

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.

When Should I Use Swirskii Sachets?

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.

What Conditions Do The Swirskii Require?

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).

When Will I Need To Replace My Sachets?

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.

How Many Sachets Do I Need?

We recommend applying the sachets at a rate of 1-2 per plant. This is based on an average plant height of 1m.

How Do I Apply The Sachets?

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.

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 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.