Phytoseiulus persimilis Predatory Mites – Biological Control for Two-Spotted Spider Mites

Targeted Biological Control for Two-Spotted Spider Mites

Phytoseiulus persimilis is a highly specialized predatory mite used for the biological control of two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae). Widely used in greenhouses, indoor gardens, nurseries, and commercial growing environments, these beneficial mites actively search plants for spider mites and feed on multiple life stages of the pest.

Because Phytoseiulus persimilis specializes in spider mites, it is an excellent choice when two-spotted spider mites are already present and fast, targeted biological control is needed. It can be used alone or incorporated into a broader Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

Application Rate Recommendations for Persimilis:

• Preventative: 1-3 per sq. ft. E.g., if you have 5,000 sq. ft. of canopy and want to do 2 per square foot, you'd need (5,000 sq. ft. / 2) = 2.5k. 
• Moderate Infestation: 5+ per sq. ft. 
• Heavy Infestation--Webbing/Outbreak: 10+ per sq. ft.
• Phytoseiulus Persimilis is most effective when applied at the first sign of a mite infestation in your garden. Because of Persimils high reproduction rate, Persimilis usually exhausts its food supply and eventually dies out, therefore repeated introductions are recommended until all sites with spider mite infestations have Persimilis present.
• With active infestations, it's best to release weekly or every other week. For preventative measures it's best to release every other week or monthly.

How-To Use Persimilis For Best Results:

• Ideally use as soon as they arrive. If you need to store them, store for a maximum of 2 days at 42-50 °F (6-10 °C).
• Store the bottle horizontally.
• Apply at the trunk or base of plants. Persimilis tends to move upward on plants. 
• When Persimilis is noticeable on every infested leaf you will have the highest chance of success with your biological control program. 
• If infestation is high (visible webbing) use a compatible pesticide such as insecticidal soap to reduce spider mite numbers before releasing Persimilis.
• If relative humidity is above 60% and can be maintained, you can release spider mite predator Feltiella acarisuga along side Persimilis for improved results.
• If relative humidity is below 60% and can be maintained, you can release spider mite predator Stethorus punctillum along side Persimilis for improved results. 
• Note that it may take 2-6 weeks before infested plants will show new plant growth improvement. 

Features & Benefits:

• Predatory mites that devour two-spotted spider mites and other types of spider mites
• Sprinkle loose material on top of plant foliage

Available Sizes: Bottle

Registered for Use In: USA

Item Numbers:

BW-PP2V - 30 ml vial 2K in vermiculite

BW-PP2 - 8 oz bottle 2K in vermiculite

BW-PP5 - 8 oz bottle 5K in vermiculite

BW-PP10 - 16 oz bottle 10K in vermiculite

BW-PP10S - 16 oz bottle 10K in shavings

BW-PP25 - 16 oz bottle 25K in vermiculite

BW-PP25S - 16 oz bottle 25K in shavings

BW-P25L - 1 liter bottle 25K in vermiculite