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Phytoseiulus is a predatory mite with the Latin name Phytoseiulus persimilis. You can recognize an adult Phytoseiulus by the orange to red colored body, which has the shape of a drop. The larvae and nymphs have a light pink color. An adult predatory mite lays, under favorable conditions, up to 6 eggs per day. These come out within a few days. These young nymphs will immediately start eating spider mites. A large population is therefore being built up in a short time. In general, the mite eats five to twenty prey per day.

The predatory mite Phytoseiulus is quite picky and only has spider mites as prey. The adult predatory mites prefer adult spider mites. The earlier stages of Phytoseiulus prefer to eat the eggs, larvae and nymphs. The predatory mite stings its prey and then sucks it empty.

There are two factors under which the Phytoseiulus develops and reproduces the fastest:

• At temperatures above eighteen degrees;
• At a humidity of more than 50%. Ideal is 70%.

The predatory mite is at its best from March to November, in the winter the predatory mite develops more slowly and will be able to clean up spider mites much less quickly.

Direct use is preferred. When storing this predatory mite, it is important to keep the product cool until use. For this we recommend a temperature between eight and ten degrees for a maximum of 24 hours. Do you want to use it? Let it warm up slowly first to avoid a temperature shock. Store the product horizontally in the dark.

You can spread the Phytoseiulus in small quantities over the crop. The degree of commitment depends on the pest pressure. Do not forget to mix the product well before use. This can easily be done by gently turning the packaging. This way you ensure a good distribution of the mites and the material.

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