Spider-Mite Predators
Spider-Mite Predators are used to control spider-mites. Sprinkle one predator for every 20 spider-mites; they breed from there. Three kinds are available (PP, NC, & ML), all are priced the same. Usually a mix of all three is used together and is good for 60% to 90% humidity, with temperatures 50-90 F. For temperatures warmer than this, use (PP & ML). For humidity's as low as 40% to 50% use ML alone. Using one predator for every 20 spider-mites usually brings control within 3 weeks. Click Here for Shipping Guidelines

Click here for more info about Praying Mantis.

U.S. Priority Mail & FedEx 2nd Day Air Only!

Are you a ladybug?
With its intriguing bug's-eye view of the world, this new series offers preschoolers a unique perspective on the life cycles and environments of some familiar backyard creatures. In each book, the initial question -- Are you a snail?...Are you a ladybug? -- is followed by a series of simple sentences that help children appreciate the differences between themselves and a particular small animal. Realistic, detailed art and informative, easy-to-read texts make these stories perfect for reading aloud. "Slowly, slowly, slowly, your color grows stronger. Your black dots appear. Congratulations, you're a ladybug!"
Paperback; 32 pages Click Here for Shipping Guidelines

Fungus-Gnat Predators

PREDATORY MITE (Hypoaspis miles) For control of fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) and for supplemental control of western flower thrips (Frankinella occidentalis). Hypoaspis is a native species of soil-dwelling mites which feed on small insects and mites. Hypoaspis are used primarily to control young larvae of fungus gnats in the soil or planting media. They also help control soil stages of thrips and may account for up to 30% of thrips control. Hypoaspis does not control shore flies of moth flies, but will feed on other soil organisms such as springtails and root mealybugs. They have been used successfully in bedding and potted plant production, seedling and cutting propagation and poinsettia stock. Hypoaspis adapts well to the various growth media and capillary mats used in plant production, but do not survive freezing of flooding conditions. Hypoaspis is most effective when applied before fungus gnat population becomes established or while numbers are still low (below 10/trap/week). One application of Hypoaspis per crop cycle is usually sufficient, if used early in the season. Release rates for Soil Culture: Apply 1 L/100 sq. ft. to the soil at the time of planting. Be sure to treat wet, exposed area as soil, where fungus gnats are likely to breed. For Sawdust bag or Rockwool cultures: Apply 3-6L/acre at least on plant inevery ag or rockwool slab. Vegetable transplants may be treated 1 week before planting out. For Pot Culture: Apply 1 L/2000 sq. ft. of bench area. Treat the floor of the greenhouse if it provides conditions for fungus gnats to breed and occasionally treat the perimeter of the greenhouse. It is not necessary to apply mites to every flat of bedding plants if applications are done early, at full rate, to allow them time to spread to all flats. Mites can also be applied to propagation media before striking cuttings.
Click Here for Shipping Guidelines

Scale Parasite (Aphytis melinus)

THE GOLDEN CHALCID ARMORED SCALE PARASITE RED SCALE PARASITE (Aphytis melinus) California red scale is the favorite prey of these parasitic wasps, although citrus red scale, oleander scale, San Jose scale, ivy scale, and citrus yellow scale are other prey. Also including Aonidiella auranti on roses citrus and ornamentals. Aphytis are shipped as adults, and the adult females lay their eggs in red scale. This wasp parasitizes various types of armored scale. The wasp lays eggs under the waxy scale covering, created by the scale. The parasite larvae develop under the scale covering. In some cases the scale is killed by adult hosts feeding on them. Once the scale is parasitized it looks dried out and when examined closely may have dark spots. At 80 degrees F A. melinus take 13-18 days to develop from egg to adult. Adults live for approximately 10-16 days (up to 25) and deposit 6-8 eggs daily. It is best to release A. melinus in 1-3 week intervals upon detection of scale until low scale numbers are observed. Scale emergence usually occurs in spring. Optimal release conditions are between 60-88 degrees F. On extablished scale sites it can take up to 2-3 months for complete control. Once low levels are achieved 1-3 releases per year should maintain control. The release rates depend on the host plants. A simple guideline is 5-10 wasps per infested plant. Parasites should be released by waving cup around infested plants 2-3 times. If infestation levels are high apply insecticidal soap 2-3 weeks prior to release. Wash off Honeydew from plants just before release. ANT CONTROL IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN ALL APPLICATIONS!
Click Here for Shipping Guidelines