Use these predatory mites with other spider mite predators to combat & control high spider mite populations.
Best option for high temperature, low humidity growing! Spider mite destroyers (Stethorus punctillum) are efficient locators of spider mite colonies in greenhouse, field crops, nurseries and indoor growing. Actually tiny ladybugs, S. punctillum eat more than 40 mites per day as adults and lay eggs near pest mite colonies. They will eat all stages of spider mites and find new infestation sites on their own by flying making them ideal for established mite populations.
Release S. punctillum once infestations are spotted or in environments where P. persimilis are not effective (high temperature/low humidity).
Optimal Conditions: 67-90°F, 30-90% RH. Known to survive temperatures over 100° in field crop applications.
Release Rates: Some crops, including tomatoes & other highly resinous crops, require higher release rates.
- General Releases – Release at least 100 adults per "hot spot" or 10 adults per infested plant. Make weekly releases for 3-4 weeks.
- Low Rate – Use the general rate above or release 1 beetle per 10 sq. ft. biweekly for three weeks.
- Moderate Rate – Release 1-2 beetles per 10 sq. ft. weekly for 4 weeks.
- High Rate – Release 200 adults per "hot spot" or 3-4 beetles per 10 sq. ft. weekly until established in all infested areas.
Life Cycle: Egg to adult takes about 18 days at 70°F with a total lifespan of around 9 weeks. Once hatched, larvae feed for 10-14 days until they are ready to pupate. As adults,
S. punctillum are mobile predators with females feeding quickly to sustain egg-laying. If mites are not present, they can survive on aphids, nectar, pollen and other small arthropod eggs.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Brown Almond Mite (Bryobia rubrioculus), European Red Mite (Panonychus ulmi), Southern Red Mite (Oligonychus ilicis), Spider Mite (Mult), Spruce Red Mite (Oligonychus ununguis), Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)
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.
Release adult beetles into mite infested areas and look for signs of reproduction (larvae, pupae, and adults) after four weeks. Stethorus punctillum are more mobile than other predatory mites but take longer to establish, so releases of predators like P. persimilis or N. californicus should also be made in the growing area.
Environment: Outdoors, Row Crops, Orchards, Nursery, Greenhouse, Grow Room, Hydroponics, Interiorscapes, Container Plants
Storage: Do not refrigerate. If not using immediately, keep in a cool place out of direct sunlight. 73-77°F, 60% RH
When will my order ship?
- Orders ship on Tuesdays only.
- Orders must be placed by Wednesday to ship the following Tuesday (minimum 6 days for order processing).
- Overnight shipping is required.
- Call us at 1-800-827-2847 with questions about shipment of Minute Pirate Bugs.
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW
Shipping Restrictions: Overnight Only
Reviews
Write a review
Stethorus punctillum
Dec 4, 2020 | By Eric b Pollack
Still Kicken Update
May 17, 2020 | By Brett Houser
they work
Mar 5, 2020 | By Whitney
Beetles
Sep 5, 2019 | By Travis k Nelson
Owner Response: Hello Travis,
It looks like we replied to your email on 8/26 and requested an image of the dead Stethorus, but never heard back from you. Additionally, we did not get notified of any issues with the prior order of Assassin Bugs. We do guarantee live delivery and are willing to reship live product when necessary. Sometimes that requires back and forth communication. We apologize for the negative experience you have had and will work to continue providing comprehensive customer service when possible.
Still Kickin
Jul 13, 2019 | By Brett Houser
