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The Fruit Tree Mite (Panonychus ulmi), also known as the European Red Mite, is predominantly a pest of Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry fruit trees. Fruit Tree Mites may, however, also attack a range of woody plants and have been identified infesting roses and other ornamentals.
Fruit Tree Mites mainly feed on the underside of leaves but will move to upper leaf surfaces if the lower side becomes crowded. As Fruit Tree Mites feed, brown spots will become apparent on the leaves of infested trees. This will cause leaves to lose their colour, a process often referred to as "bronzing". If infestations are significant, leaves will drop from the trees.
Fruit Mite Killer contains the predatory mite; Amblyseius andersoni. The andersoni feed on the Fruit Tree Mites/European Red Mites and a range of other pests. See them listed below:
We advise using Amblyseius andersoni against Fruit Tree Mites found 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, the Fruit Tree Mite is first observed. This can aid earlier control of Fruit Tree Mite populations and reduce risk of sustained damage by combating the Fruit Tree Mite early in its life cycle.
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.
Fruit Tree Mites often feed at the underside of leaves so ensure the andersoni are released onto infested leaves of the tree, or in other evident hot spots of Fruit Mite activity.
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 infested 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 before they then proceed to exit the boxes and move around the plants.
Repeat applications may be required to maintain andersoni populations, or if Fruit Tree Mite numbers were high when the predators were first applied.
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 the andersoni, and other predatory mites, for much longer periods. Refrain from using these products, or check with Dragonfli for information on the effects of these products on 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 not allergic, but come into close and prolonged contact with certain substances, you could still develop an allergy.