Gault’s Place

“Thrip Mite Amblyseius cucumeris is a tan colored mite, approximately .5 mm long. The female lays her eggs on the plants. The small, white eggs hatch into larvae that molt into nymphs in approximately 2 days. During the next 7-10 days, the nymphs will feed on thrips. Once the mite reaches adulthood, it will consume one thrips per day. Adults live up to 30 days; females can lay up to 35 eggs during that time. The mite can be found on the underside of the leaves, along the veins or inside the flowers. The mites feed on pollen as well, so a supplement of ARBICO Good Bug Power Meal will assure that your beneficials stay where they’re needed. Preferred food: feeds on the young stages of thrips only. Shipment, biology and release: Predators are shipped as adults. Release the mites when thrips populations are low (monitor with with sticky blue or yellow traps), and allow several weeks for results. Ideal conditions are 66-80 degrees F and a relative humidity of 65-72 percent. Apply A”