USE: Predatory mites are adult mites that seek out and kill pest mites, particularly the common spider mite. Spider mites typically feed on the underside of leaves of indoor plants and trees. RELEASE: The predatory mites are shipped as adults in bottles with a medium such as corn grit or vermiculite. They should be released in the evening of the same day received. Shake them out of the bottle on leaves and in any area where they are likely to find pest mites. LIFE CYCLE: The adult female lays 50 to 60 eggs which will hatch into larvae and become adults. The entire cycle takes about 10 days, twice as fast as pest mites. RECOMMENDATIONS: Predatory mites should be released at the FIRST SIGN of pest mites since it takes them a while to establish control. If large populations of pest mites already exist, knock them down with insecticidal soap. High humidity and a little sugar water will improve their performance, but do not hose down leaves after releasing. Since they will attack each other, do not wait long to release them. COVERAGE: About 2 to 5 predatory mites per infested plant and 500 to 2,000 per tree. GENERAL INFORMATION: Predatory mites can be distinguished from pest mites because they have pear shaped bodies, their front legs are longer, and they do not have spots on either side of their body. Their technical name is Phytoseiulus persimilis and they range in color from pale salmon in immature stages to orange as adults. IMPORTANT NOTICE-PLEASE READ!!!: Most live beneficial insect, snail and worm orders received before Thursday noon, are processed on the following Friday and shipped out the following Monday or Tuesday via UPS. After that time, they are sent in the next week's batch. They are not sent from this location, they are sent from the rearing facilities. Rush orders cannot be accepted for live insects. Expect a 10-14 day delivery for most shipments. If you do not live in the Western U.S., it is recommended you choose UPS 3 day delivery or better. IF YOU LIVE EAST OF THE ROCKIES AND HAVE NOT CHOSEN UPS 3 DAY OR FASTER, WE WILL AUTOMATICALLY SEND IT THAT WAY AND YOU WILL BE CHARGED EXTRA FOR THAT METHOD. There will still be the same 1-2 week wait for them to be sent out, but they will go by the recommended method. Multiple orders which include live insects with other merchandise such as toys and candy, may have additional shipping and handling fees added to cover the additional cost of two shipments. The merchandise (other than the live animals) will be sent ground, the live insects will be sent 3 day or better. Live insects, snails, worms and mites may only be shipped within the Continental United States (may not be shipped to Hawaii) unless you provide an import permit from your Agriculture Dept.. |
| (310) 318-1389 We offer secure online ordering. RealCoolToys.com has a $25.00 minimum purchase requirement for phone orders. PLEASE READ our "Answers to your questions" page: realcooltoys.com/info for our usual shipping methods, process times and return policy. E-MAIL : realcooltoys@kathyscritters.com
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