Ships via Overnight methods only. Ships Tuesday-Thursday. Sachets have a different shipment schedule and processing time than other sizes. See Shipping Info for details or call us at 1-800-827-2847 for specific details.
Neoseiulus (= Amblyseius) californicus is an oblong, tiny predatory mite that feeds on a variety of prey and is useful in prevention, control and management of infestations of various spider mite species. It can also be used as a preventative control of broad mites, cyclamen mites, and some russet mite species. Since they are slower feeders than other mite predators (P. persimilis, N. fallacis), N. californicus should be used in conjunction with other suitable beneficial insects in the presence of large pest populations.
N. californicus mite predators are pear-shaped relative to pest mites and have a creamy color (more opaque than pest mites). Their slow feeding habits make them effective against low mite populations and when used preventatively. N. californicus are known to be effective on the west coast and in the southeastern United States due to suitable temperature and humidity levels in those regions. Use on crops including cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, tropical foliage plants, and greenhouse roses. Suitable environments for release are gardens, grow rooms, fields, orchards and greenhouses.
Preferred Food: Two-spotted spider mites and many other mite species. Reproduction rates are best when spider mites are the primary food source. These predatory mites consume egg, nymph and adult stages of pest mites.
Optimum Conditions: 50-105°F, 40-60% RH
Significantly cooler and warmer temperatures will slow and/or inhibit reproduction and development. Higher humidity is generally necessary with higher temperatures; however, N. californicus can persist in low humidity environments with limited food sources. The slower pace that these predatory mites feed at (5 mites per day) and their ability to sustain themselves on pollen allows them to survive longer in low pest populations. A full life cycle for N. californicus lasts between one to two weeks and is significantly influenced by temperature.
Sachets: Sachets include multiple life cycles (adults, juveniles and possibly eggs) for early intervention control (≈4-6 weeks), best used preventatively, or with a low pest pressure. Introduce N californicus sachets into growing area at first sign of mite infestation. For hot spot treatment, apply bulk adult N californicus.
Sachet Styles: Select the style of sachet best suited for your needs.
- Sachets w/hook: Individual sachets with hook to hang in plant canopy.
- Sachets on sticks: Best for potting trays, clones or low plants.
- Gemini Sachets: Individual sachets in tent shape (no hook, no stick) to be placed directly on soil, or hung on netting.
- Bugline: Ingenious design for maximum efficiency. 6 strips or "lanes" of 328 feet of sachets to be pulled across tables, netting or beds. Sachets alternate between 1 active "mite" sachets and 6 empty "spacer" sachets.
Release Rates: Vary on pest and infestation level. Consider bulk applications for hot spot treatment.
- 1-2 sachets per plant depending on infestation levels. Repeat applications ≈4-6 weeks.
Click here to shop N californicus in bulk bottles
PLEASE NOTE: All Mite Predators require additional processing time due to rearing and collection times. Additional information can be found on the Shipping Tab to identify the earliest shipment date. If you have questions about shipment dates, orders can be placed with our sales representatives at 1-800-827-2847.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Brown Almond Mite (Bryobia rubrioculus), Spider Mite (Mult), Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae), Cyclamen Mite (Phytonemus pallidus), Broad Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus), Russet Mites
Sachet Application:
Open the box of sachets in the crop. Separate sachets by tearing along perforations. Place sachets within crop using one to two sachets per plant. Each sachet contains a mixture of immature and adult mite predators for continued emergence over ≈4-6 weeks.
Do not hang where sachets will be directly exposed to intense sunlight or near heating pipes.
Environment: Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Pond & Environment, Interiorscapes, Container Plants
Storage: Use within 18 hours of receipt. If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Viability Note: If you plan to check for viability, please do so upon receipt and prior to releasing the beneficial insects. Many predators and parasites are small and can be difficult to spot once released. If you believe there are issues with viability, please contact us at 1-800-827-2847 or customercare@arbico.com.
Shipping Restrictions:
- Ships via Overnight methods only. This does not take processing time into account. Overnight Shipping refers to the time frame for delivery after the shipment date.
- Orders ship Tuesdays -Thursday only.
- Order by Tuesday EOD for shipment the following week Tuesday-Thursday. 7-day minimum lead time prior to shipment. Online order processing can take 24-48 hours.
- For any questions about shipping restrictions or earliest ship dates, please call us at 1-800-827-2847.
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt. If not releasing immediately, keep in a cool dark place out of direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate.
Life Cycle: Eggs are laid among pest mite populations as well as in the webbing. Each adult female can lay up to 43 eggs which hatch into readily feeding larvae. Once hatched, N. californicus mature as larvae through their nymph stages for about 8 days until they reach adulthood, where they stay for another 20 days. Adults feed slowly, but consistently for the duration of their life span.
