Spider mite predatory midge for two-spotted spider mite
The midge's larvae feed inside spider mite colonies and suck eggs, young and adults dry. Koppert puts a larva at up to 50 eggs a day, and in a lab comparison it out-ate both N. californicus and the Swirski mite. Koppert sells it to be used with persimilis, not instead of it. It does best in humid air, above 80% by Koppert and above 60% by UC IPM, and works best where the mites are already in colonies.
Before you order
Released into spider mite hot spots under glass, weekly for at least three weeks (UC IPM says at least four), usually alongside Phytoseiulus persimilis. It does best in warm, humid air. How it works, how to tell it has established and the supplier list are on the full Feltiella acarisuga profile.
How many do I need?
Area and infestation level in; quantity, cost and a weekly schedule out. Open the calculator →
Other controls for two-spotted spider mite
- Phytoseiulus persimilisPredatory mite · 2–50 /m² per release (Koppert); 100+ /m² on hot spots (Biobest data sheet)
- Neoseiulus californicusPredatory mite · 25–125 /m² per release, weekly, at least five times (Koppert); 5 /m² every two weeks as prevention and 100–200 /m² on hot spots (Biobest data sheet); indoors 1–4 per plant, every two weeks, 2–3 times (Arbico)
- Amblyseius andersoniPredatory mite · 20–100 /m² (Biobest); 50–250 /m² weekly (Koppert)
- Stethorus punctillumPredatory lady beetle · 100–200 adults per hot spot, or 1–4 per 10 sq ft, weekly for 3–4 weeks (Arbico; its low rate is every two weeks)