Ships via Overnight methods only. Ships Monday-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. For delivery only. Not available in store.
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.
Release Rates: Some crops, including tomatoes & other highly resinous crops, require higher release rates.
- 1-4 mites per plant (roughly 1,000-4,000 per 1,000 square feet) or 1-2 per square foot in greenhouses, biweekly, 2-3 times
- 5,000-20,000 per acre depending on infestation levels, biweekly, 2-3 times
- Mini-Sachets - 1-2 sachets per plant depending on infestation levels. Repeat applications every 4 weeks.
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
N. californicus are effective mite predators and control spider mites, broad mites, cyclamen mites and some species of russet mites. Release instructions can be found below. If you are a first time user of N. californicus mite predators, please call us at 1-800-827-2847 to walk through application instructions and best practices.
Shaker Tube Application: Shake small quantities of predatory mites onto crop where pest pressure is heaviest. Immediately before opening, gently rotate the container to distribute mites evenly throughout the carrier material and continue rotating during application, keeping material mixed. Keep rotating the bottle slowly as you disperse the predators.
Mini-Sachet Application: Place sachets within crop canopy using one to two sachets per plant. Apply when crop is dry to maximize hatch rates. Each sachet contains a mixture of immature and adult mite predators to ensure continued emergence over 4-6 weeks.
Environment: Outdoors, Crops, Orchards & Vineyards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Pond & Environment, Interiorscapes, Container Plants
Storage: 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 Monday-Thursday only.
- Orders will be processed for the next available shipping date. Processing can take 24-48 hours.
- For the earliest ship dates, please call us at 1-800-827-2847.
Mini-Sachets (SKU 1151215) ship on Tuesdays only. Place your order by Tuesday for shipment the following Tuesday. Cannot Be Shipped To: HI
What's In The Package:
- N. californicus sizes in loose media are shipped as adults.
- Mini-Sachets contain a mixture of immature and adult life stages mixed in bran for continued release over 4-6 weeks.
- 1,000 ct. – 1 oz. bottle in corn grit.
- 2,000 ct. – 4 oz. bottle in vermiculite.
- 5,000 ct. – 1/2 liter bottle in vermiculite.
- 10,000 ct. – 2 x 1/2 liter bottles in vermiculite
- 25,000 ct. – 1 liter bottle in vermiculite.
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.
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.
Reviews
Write a review
Count your order
May 19, 2022 | By Kyle
Owner Response: Thank you Kyle! It's very important to check your order the day it is received! Then contact customercare@arbico.com with any viability concerns.
Dead just wait!
Oct 11, 2020 | By J B
Sucker
Oct 8, 2020 | By J Bat
Owner Response: Hi Jose. I don't have any notes that you spoke with Customer Service about this issue. Our Live Delivery Guarantee includes replacement of dead product if notified immediately and photos provided. We hope to have the opportunity to work with you again.
Worth every penny
Jun 24, 2020 | By Cher
Get some
Apr 16, 2020 | By David K Harrell
Finally Gone!!
Jun 10, 2019 | By Michael J Crosby
Predators arrive alive and active!
May 5, 2019 | By Dustin Kessler
Great service!
Apr 12, 2019 | By Moises Bazan Juarez
Awesome
Feb 25, 2019 | By Dianna
leo's happy day
Oct 3, 2018 | By Leo Weisman
no instructions
Aug 20, 2018 | By Bonnie
Owner Response: Thank you for the feedback Bonnie! We have release instructions on the website, but I will look into putting together a sheet to go out with the mite predators.
Predatorys for the win
Jul 24, 2018 | By Austin
Always works when I see signs of Broad/Russet mites
Jul 15, 2018 | By Caleb
N.californicus for Avocado tree - SUCCESS!
May 20, 2018 | By Michikami
Owner Response: Fantastic! Most of our mite predators go to indoor growing environments, so it is great to get feedback when they are used differently. Thanks for getting back!
