Biocultivation

Stratiolaelaps simitus / Hypoaspis miles is a predatory mite that eats larva of fungus gnat. Also feeds on western flower thrips (WFT) pupae and springtail (especially in house plants). Lives in top layer of soil, feeds on small, soil-inhabiting insects, mites and all stages of springtails. Can adapt to many different growth media and capillary mats. No diapause: can be used year round. Active at temps > 54° F . Can survive low pest densities. Helps clean up greenhouses and mushroom production, as well as controlling mites on tarantulas, lizards and bees. Should not be applied to soil that has been treated with lime or copper sulfate mixtures. Atheta is a predator of Stratiolaelaps simitus; Stratiolaelaps simitus eats nematodes, good and bad. 10-13 L per acre OR 50 mites per 10 sq ft. Twice monthly, 2-5 times overall. Most effective applied prior to heavy infestations and for end of crop clean-up.

Shipped Wednesday, order by previous Friday

Steinernema feltiae targets fungus gnat, shore fly, fruit fly, western flower thrips, plant parasitic nematode, root-knot nematode, fire ant, leafcutter ant. Ideal temperatures 55°-85° F. The Becker-Underwood label is Nemasys. Also a 7 million cup in vermiculite (Scanmask) is available year-round.

Release every 3-6 weeks for infestations OR every 60 days as a preventative. 1 million per 60 sq ft OR 1 billion per acre OR for pre-treating potting soil, 1-2 million per cu yd.

Predatory rove beetle Atheta coriaria targets western flower thrips that build up in soil under greenhouse benches. Also attacks fungus gnats and shore flies.

2 beetles per plant once a week.

Recent reports indicate Atheta may occasionally scavenge for thrips inside the buds and become stuck in the bud resin. At this point, we suggest our other predators over Atheta unless you have used with prior experience of success or are using it with test plants.  

Shipped Wednesday, order by previous Friday.  

Water dispersible granules -- 16lbs

Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis, the active ingredient in Gnatrol, is a common bacterium found naturally in soil. Bt is considered a “microbial insecticide” because several strains infect and kill insects. Since it was discovered in 1911, Bt has been developed for insect control, and was first available commercially in the 1950s.

We carry yellow sticky cards that are sticky on both sides with peel-off coverings. For monitoring, hang every 250 square feet or, to trap emerging fungus gnats, hang horizontally over pots. Yellow attracts many insects including whitefly, winged aphid, shore fly, fungus gnat, leafminer and thrips. Note counts weekly and keep records to observe trends. Blue sticky cards are also available for attracting thrips and leafminer, especially if beneficials are attracted to yellow cards. Large sticky banners also available.

4 X 7 inch card. Seabright traps fold open to expose 4 X 14 inch sticky blue surface with grid for precision monitoring of thrips and leafminer. Approximately 30 sq inch adhesive area. Punched hole and twist-tie provided to easily hang trap. Easy to handle and count insects without getting sticky. To make more attractive to thrips, add a Thrips Lure (page 32) or drop of vanilla extract.

Alyssum is an "Insectary Plant" creating a home and food source for beneficial insects. In regards to Fungus Gnats, Alyssum has been shown to become a good home for Stratiolaelaps scimitus. Planting Alyssum and other insectary plants throughout your outdoor growing area or as a barrier surrounding your indoor growing area can be of great value.