BeneficialBanded palm thrips
Swirski mite for banded palm thrips
Amblyseius swirskii · predatory mite
Against banded palm thrips
The RHS lists predatory mites among the thrips controls for glasshouse and indoor plants; no trial has tested this one against banded palm thrips. Because the species feeds and pupates on the leaves, a foliage-dwelling mite suits it better than the compost predators. Swirskii needs warmth, which suits heated houseplant rooms.
Rate25–100 /m² per release (the site's swirskii rate; none published for this species)
TimingIn warm rooms or glasshouses, above about 20 °C
Temperature20–32 °C best; not effective below 18 °C (Biobest: 15 °C)
macro · swirski mite on banded palm thrips
The pestBanded palm thripsParthenothrips dracaenaeDull, silvered leaves with dark varnish-like specksFull pest profile →Before you order
Sprinkled onto the leaves or hung in slow-release sachets in warm crops, where it feeds on pollen as well as prey and can build up ahead of the pest. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Amblyseius swirskii profile.
Release calculator
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Other controls for banded palm thrips
- Amblyseius cucumerisPredatory mite · 10–50 mites per plant, weekly, or sachets (UC IPM rate for western flower thrips; none published for this species)
- Orius laevigatusPredatory bug · 0.5–1 /m² preventive; 5–10 /m² on hot spots (the site's rate; none published for this species)