BeneficialOnion thrips

Thrips predatory mite for onion thrips

Amblyseius cucumeris · predatory mite

Against onion thrips

Like other thrips, onion thrips can be held back under glass by this mite, which eats first-stage larvae. In field onions it has failed: in a Quebec study, releases of cucumeris, swirskii and Stratiolaelaps did not keep onion thrips below the economic threshold, while flower strips cut them by up to 50%. Outdoors, rely on overhead watering, straw mulch and siting.

Rate10–50 per plant weekly (UC IPM) or 50–100 /m² (Koppert), under glass; both are general thrips rates

TimingFrom planting, under glass only

Temperature15–25 °C best (Koppert); UConn gives 75–85 °F and Cornell 25–35 °C; not effective above 30 °C (Koppert); humidity above 65–70%

macro · thrips predatory mite on onion thrips

The pestOnion thripsThrips tabaciSilvery streaks and white blotches on leaves; discoloured, rough patches inside cabbage headsFull pest profile →

Before you order

Sprinkled onto the leaves or hung in slow-release sachets from planting; it eats only the youngest thrips larvae, so it has to be in place before thrips build up. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Amblyseius cucumeris profile.

Release calculator

How many do I need?

Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →

Will it survive my spray?

Pesticide sensitivity

Check anything applied in the last month before releasing. Check a product →

Other controls for onion thrips

Orius insidiosusPredatory bug · 1–2 /m² per release; up to 10 /m² on hot spots