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Predacious Mites

| By | Beneficial Insects

Predacious Mites (Phytoseiidae)  

Overview:

  • Commonly found in and amongst spider mite populations  ​
  • Lay eggs singly in spider mite populations on the bottom of surface leaves along the veins  ​
  • All stages are oval and shiny-white to tan in color ​
  • Adults can be distinguished from spider mites by their shiny, unspotted pear shape with hairs that are less noticeable than spider mites  ​
  • Move much faster than spider mites on a beating tray​
  • Consume an average of 20 pest mites in a lifetime, with some species consuming more than 100 each ​
  • Adult females lay about 60 eggs over several days, and even more if a greater number of prey mites are present  ​
  • Mated females overwinter in deep bark crevices​
  • Prey pests: Mites (spider mites, broad mites, rust mites, cyclamen mites)​​

Management:

Fostering Beneficial Insect Populations:
  • If spider mite populations are low, consider not spraying and allow predacious mites to maintain pests below threshold levels​
  • Commercially available for release to control spider mites​
  • Will disperse once they have eaten all their prey​
  • May need to be re-deployed if pest populations return​
  • Establish naturalized areas to serve as a reservoir for predaceous mites 
Pesticide Impacts/Considerations:
  • Avoid or reduce use of broad-spectrum insecticides​
  • Use the least toxic materials for mite control ​
  • Horticultural oil can be applied pre-bloom to suppress pest mites early in the season with little impact on predacious  mites still in their protected overwintering sites​
  • Spray only when necessary – be especially careful with miticides​
Many predacious mite species will be pale in color with few body hairs. They have long legs & can move much faster than spider mite pests. (Photo Credit: Ohio State Coop. Ext.)
Disclaimer – Materials do not cover all possible control scenarios and are intended for licensed professionals. Tradenames do not imply endorsement and are used as examples. You must strictly follow the label for each compound prior to use. Rutgers is not responsible form is used materials or damages thereof. The label is the law. Labels will provide detailed information on use and restrictions. Additionally, application intervals, compatibility, surfactant use, PHI, PPE, important and other key information is described in detail. Always discuss treatments with your local agents. Note: Neonicotinoids can only be legally applied in commercial agriculture settings by licensed applicators. Guidelines and recommendations made in this presentation are specific to the state of New Jersey.