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!🎄
£14.99
Whitefly are sapsuckers of plants and can consume huge amounts of sap if they are left untreated. Much of this sap contains sugar and is excreted back onto plants by the Whitefly as honeydew, which sooty molds will grow on. Plant growth can be stunted, or slowed, when Whiteflies are present in large numbers. Leaves will also wilt or drop if the Whitefly remain present. Produce, such as Tomatoes, can be soiled and left with sticky deposits.
Whitefly can also transmit plant viruses from plant to plant. The most common Whitefly species that attacks indoor grown plants is the Glasshouse Whitefly (Trialeurodes vaporariorum). There is is another species of Whitefly that can be found on outdoor produce, such as Cabbages, which is called Brassica Whitefly (Aleyrodes prolletella).
Whitefly Killer contains the predatory mite: Amblyseius andersoni. The andersoni feed on the Whitefly eggs and a range of other pests. See them listed below:
This andersoni are active in a wider range of temperatures, and can be applied in lower temperatures than can be withstood by other Whiteflypredators. Amblyseius andersoni is the perfect preventative treatment for Glasshouse Whitefly infestations in greenhouses and is also effective against another species of Whitefly in the form of the Brassica Whitefly, which is often identified on outdoor plantings.
The andersoni can also be used in conjunction with the Encarsia, a combined treatment we highly recommend for severe Whitefly infestations. For such severe and high numbers of Glasshouse Whitefly infestations in warm conditions; we always recommend introduction of the Encarsia formosa parasitic wasps that can be found here.
We advise using Amblyseius andersoni against Whitefly on indoor and outdoor plants. The andersoni also feed on pollen and this means that they can be applied to plants before, or soon after, Whitefly is first observed on plants. This can aid earlier control of Whitefly populations and reduce risk of sustained pest damage by combating the Whitefly early in its life cycle.
Andersoni is a native predator to the UK and can safely be applied indoors and outdoors.
Amblyseius andersoni are active at temperatures ranging from 6-40℃. This enables the introduction of these predators in a variety of environments, earlier in the year, and in lower temperature environments than required by Encarsia formosaWasps, for example.
Ensure the andersoni are released and distributed over the plants you wish to protect from Whitefly infestations. The andersoni are supplied in shaker bottles, so you can apply the predators by rotating the bottle and gently shaking the contents directly onto the leaves of the plants.
Amblyseius andersoni can also be applied using our Dragonfli Distribution Boxes, which will be more effective for larger plants. Distribute the shaker bottle contents into your boxes and hang them on the stems or leaves of your plants. The boxes act as small breeding sites for the predators and they will then proceed to exit the boxes and move around the plants.
Repeat application may be required to maintain andersoni populations, or if Whitefly numbers when high when the predators were first applied. To maintain consistent population levels early in the season ensure to repeat applications every 2 weeks.
Full application instructions are provided on delivery.
We advise using andersoni straight away upon delivery. This ensures best results as the Mites will be fresh.
Amblyseius andersoni 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 andersoni 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.
