Ships via Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. Minimum 7-day lead time prior to shipment. See Shipping Info for details. For Delivery Only. Not available in store.
Amblyseius cucumeris predatory mites are primarily thrips predators, but will also feed on a range of mite species in different environments. Tan colored and about 0.5mm long, they can be slow to establish - 4-8 weeks under ideal conditions - meaning they are best used for prevention and low-level management of thrips infestations. Control is often seen 3 weeks after release. They will find alternate food sources* in the absence of prey. It is important to pair A. cucumeris with a suitable mite predator for control of any of the listed pest mites if populations are established.
Target Prey: Immature Thrips, Two-Spotted Spider Mites, Cyclamen Mites & Broad Mites
Key Features:
- Wide range of food sources.
- Highly compatible with S. scimitus, rove beetles and minute pirate bugs for thrips control.
- Often combined with A. andersoni for mite control.
- Sustain themselves in low pest levels.
- Multiple release types allows for variable uses in different growing environments.
Optimum Conditions: 68°-77°F, 65-70% relative humidity
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. Release A. cucumeris when thrips populations are low. Early season monitoring can be done with blue or yellow sticky traps. Moisture and humidity help increase hatch rates; however, sachets should be kept dry when applying. Do not use with A. swirskii*. Some crops, including tomatoes & other highly resinous crops, require higher release rates.
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. Make initial releases before thrips issues develop to allow A. cucumeris to establish. This can take 4-8 weeks.
- Apply one sachet per plant or propagation tray. Repeat applications every 4 weeks.
For hot spot treatment, click here to shop A cucumeris in bulk bottles. When controlling established thrips populations, consider using Minute Pirate Bugs to gain control and A. cucumeris to maintain control.
This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Bean Thrips (Caliothrips fasciatus), Broad Mites, Russet Mites, Spider Mites, Thrips**, Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
* Without prey, N. cucumeris will feed on the eggs and immature life stages of P. persimilis and all life stages of A. swirskii. They will also feed on pollen available on the plants.
** When controlling established thrips populations, consider using Minute Pirate Bugs to gain control and A. cucumeris to maintain control.
Sachet Application:
- Open the box of sachets in the crop. Separate sachets by tearing along perforations (if applicable - do not tear Bugline).
- Hang or place sachets within crop canopy with emergence hole on the underside (if visible), 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.
- Sachets on Sticks: Use during propagation when plants cannot support sachets. Place one stick per propagation tray. Repeat releases every 4 weeks.
Environment: Outdoor Crops, Orchards, Vineyards, Nurseries, Greenhouses, Indoor Crops, 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.
When Will My Order Ship?
- Ships via Overnight shipping 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 on Tuesdays only.
- Order by Tuesday for shipment the following Tuesday. 7-day minimum lead time prior to shipment.
- For any questions about shipping restrictions or dates, please call us at 1-800-827-2847.
* Ordering Cutoff is noon on Tuesday
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW
What's In The Package:
- Sachets and are packed with a mixture of immature and adult A. cucumeris. This ensures ongoing release from sachets for ≈4-6 weeks after placement. Do not cut open sachets to apply mites directly.
- Bugline Strips are packed in "lanes" and sachets alternate between 1 active "mite" sachetand 3 empty "spacer" sachets.
Warning & Toxicities: Do not use adjacent to heating pipes. A. swirskii will eat immature A. cucumeris making them unsuitable for use together.
Life Cycle: Eggs hatch into larvae that molt into nymphs approximately 2 days after being laid. During the next 7-10 days, the nymphs feed on thrips. Once they mature, the adult thrips predators consume one thrips per day. Adults live up to 30 days with females laying up to 35 eggs during that time.
A. cucumeris can be found on the underside of the leaves or inside the flowers. The mites feed on pollen as well, so a supplement of Good Bug Power Meal will help ensure that your thrips predators stay where they're needed. Cover cropping and intercropping can provide alternative habitat in the absence of other food sources in the crops where being grown.
Shelf Life: Use within 18 hours of receipt.
All quantities are approximate.
