Amblyseius swirskii is a predatory mite native to the coastal regions of the Middle East and North Africa. It has 8 legs on a 0.5mm pear shaped body that varies in color from tan, light yellow, or even dark red to purple depending on the type of prey they are consuming.
This natural enemy commonly feeds on whitefly, thrips, spider mites, russet mites and broad mites. It prefers the younger stages of whitefly and thrips and consumes about 5-10 prey per day. It will also feed on most species of pest mite and can survive on pollen in periods of low prey availability.
Swirskii is an ideal product to be used in crops that are grown under protection in warm conditions, such as peppers, cucumbers, gerbera and aubergine. It is well adapted to warm temperatures.
Life Cycle
In warm and humid conditions swirskii can reproduce quite rapidly. At 77°F the entire cycle from egg to adult can take less than 7 days. The mites go through three immature stages: larva, protonymph, and deutonymph, before becoming adults. All mobile stages are predatory.
Application Rates
12-20 per sq ft, biweekly or as needed.
Sachets: Make sure the crop and floor are dry when applying to avoid moisture entering the sachet packaging. Do not let the sachet contact wet soil. Do not hang adjacent to heating pipes or where exposed to direct sunlight. Mites emerge for 3-6 weeks.
Loose on vermiculite: Do not expose to direct sunlight or allow to overheat at any time. Immediately before opening, gently rotate the container to distribute mites evenly throughout the carrier material. Continue rotating during application, keeping material mixed. These natural predators are perfect in IPM programs.
Instructions for Use
Use within 18 hours of receipt.
Keep out of direct sunlight.
Do not refrigerate.
For loose material, keep horizontal until use.
Transport and store at >59°F and at >65% humidity. A natural and sustainable option for pest control that is chemical free.
For a two day shipping option out of Washington state, please contact us. For larger quantities and bulk pricing on sachets, please contact us. info@soundhorticulture.com
Orders for Amblyseius swirskii must be received by noon on Friday for shipment the following week. If the deadline is past, please call us and we will help you find a solution ASAP. For larger quantities of sachets please contact us. (360) 656-6680
