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Stratiolaelaps scimitus ‘Womersley’ (formerly Hypoaspis miles) is a native species of soil dwelling mite, which feeds on small insects and mites (e.g., springtails, root mealybug crawlers, spider mites). They move rapidly over the soil surface. Stratiolaelaps are used primarily to control young larvae of fungus gnats in the soil or planting media. To control high numbers of fungus gnats, use of Stratiolaelaps can be integrated with insect parasitic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema spp.) or Bacillus thurinigiensis israelensis (BTI), both of which control the larval stage of fungus gnats. They also help control soil stages of thrips and may account for up to 30% of thrips control. Stratiolaelaps do not control shore flies or moth flies, but will feed on other soil organisms, such as springtails and root mealybugs.
- Roughly 5,000 per 1000 square feet of soil medium
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Stratiolaelaps is supplied in a pasteurized peat/bran mixture with 15,000-20,000 predators per quart (liter), or about 15-20 predators per cc. The mixture may also may contain another species of mite as a food source for the predators.
The predators should be applied as soon as it is received. Do not refrigerate. Apply directly to wet, exposed areas of soil.
If necessary, containers can be held, stored on their side out of direct sunlight, at 60-70°F (16-21°C) for up to 7 days.
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