Their affinity for eating thrips pupae is an underrated benefit of using these mites. Using only S. scimitus can reduce western flower thrips populations by 43%.

This product can be stored at 50-60°F for about two days. The bottles and bags are shipped with a food source. Once that runs out, they will start attacking each other. It is best to store the bottles on their side and filter paper up (this provides more surface area for the mites).

Gently rotate the bottle to distribute the mites evenly within the carrier to release from bottles. Unscrew the lid and remove the filter paper. Place the lid back on top and tap the mites out of the bottle evenly onto the soil. These mites should be released onto dirt and gravel floors, around greenhouse weeds, under benches and ground covers, and any place fungus gnat larvae and pupae or thrips pupae and pre-pupae may develop. Concentrate their bulk at release points near the most heavily infested or active breeding areas. Leave the empty bottle with the cap removed in the treatment area for 24 hours after release to ensure all mites have exited.

To Release from Bags:

Gently rotate the bag to distribute the mites within the carrier. Next, open the bag at the seal and sprinkle the contents evenly onto slightly damp growing mediums, soil, or ground cover using the dispensing scoop. Use a higher concentration in hot spots.

Place a slice of potato in the soil, as this will attract both fungus gnat larvae and their predators. S. scimitus can sometimes be found on or near the potato slice after a couple/few days. However, what may be the best way to tell if they’re in the crop and doing their jobs is the reduction of pests a few days after release.

These mites can’t handle dry soil, so use in certain herbs, cacti, and succulents may not be an option. They also don’t take being on Rockwool very well, so they can’t be used in hydroponics.

We guarantee live delivery and ask that you report any problem within 24 hours. Please do not discard the product. You may be asked to return the shipment for further analysis.