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.
Optimal Conditions: 68°-77°F, 65-70% relative humidity
Release Rates & Recommendations: 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.
Preventive Release Rates – Make initial releases before thrips issues develop to allow A. cucumeris to establish. This can take 4-8 weeks.
- Shaker Tubes in Vermiculite/Bran: 10-20 mites per sq. ft. or 100-200 per square meter. Make weekly broadcast applications.
- Mini-Sachets/Sachets on Sticks: Apply one sachet per propagation tray or plant. Repeat applications every 4 weeks.
Spot Treatment Release Rates (Acute Treatment) – Use when isolated areas of pest pressure are present.
- Shaker Tubes in Vermiculite/Bran: Apply 20-40 mites per sq. ft. (100-400 per square meter). Reapply weekly in broadcast applications until pest issues have subsided.
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, all stages of A. swirskii along with pollen available on the plants.
** When controlling established thrips populations, consider using Minute Pirate Bugs to gain control and A. cucumeris to maintain control.
Relatively high release rates are needed because thrips reproduce more quickly than A. cucumeris, who feed on the immature stages and establish slowly. For best thrips control, use with Minute Pirate Bugs on foliage and release S. scimitus in the growing medium.
Release Instructions: Make sure the crop and floor are dry when applying sachets.
- Shaker Tubes (In Bran and Vermiculite): Shake small quantities of predatory mites onto crop where pest pressure is heaviest. Lightly misting plants before releases are made can help mites establish themselves and aid overall effectiveness of A. cucumeris.
- Sachets & Mini-Sachets: Open the shipping box of the sachets in the crop. Separate the individual sachets. Hang sachets inside plant canopy where possible with emergence hole on the underside. Apply when crop is dry to maximize hatch rates. Predatory mites emerge from the sachets for 4-6 weeks. Do not hang adjacent to heating pipes.
- Sachets on Sticks: Use during propagation when plants cannot support mini-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.
Cannot Be Shipped To: HI,PR,VI,GU,AS,PW
What's In The Package:
- Sachets and Sachet Strips are packed with a mixture of immature and adult A. cucumeris. This ensures ongoing release from sachets for 4-6 weeks after placement. Sachet Strips are packed at a ratio of 1 full sachet: 3 empty sachets to minimize mite predator losses between plants.
- Bran and Vermiculite mixes are packed with adult A. cucumeris ready to feed on active mite populations. They come packed 50,000 per liter bottle (i.e. 100,000 comes in 2 one liter bottles) or in 250,000 count 5 liter bags.
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 thrip 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.
Reviews
Write a review
200 sachets on 75 plants no predators emerged
Apr 26, 2022 | By Bryan Tisa
Owner Response: Hi Bryan,
We have forwarded your comments to our Customer Service team to follow up with you.
Great product!
Apr 21, 2022 | By A
Dead
Jan 2, 2021 | By Robert Fletcher
Owner Response: Thank you for your feedback Robert. We have noted your account. In the future, please notify customer service immediately when insects arrive dead. Our Live Delivery Guarantee ensures replacement of non-viable insects. We look forward to working with you in the future.
