Entomite-M - Natural Enemies

Stratiolaelaps scimitus typically inhabit the top half-inch of soil, growing media, or surface debris. Females lay eggs that hatch after six days at 20°C / 68°F, producing larvae that actively feed for 10 days and continue to feed as adults. Adult mites can live for several months when food is plentiful, feeding on a wide range of soil and growing media pests. 

These mites are mobile and can easily find the nutrition and water necessary for their development. They can tolerate periods of low soil moisture levels. Stratiolaelaps scimitars prey on fungus gnat larvae and consume thrips larvae and pupae that fall to the growing media, making them a valuable addition to other biological control agents for thrips.

Usage Instructions:

• Mix mites into the growing media during potting or sprinkle them onto the surface. Mites typically move onto plants from the growing media to hunt prey during dark hours.
• Use a teaspoon or scoop to distribute mites evenly throughout the garden.
• Mites will quickly spread uniformly through the crop.
• Avoid watering the soil or growing medium 10 minutes before and a few hours after releasing the mites.
• Also, distribute mites on floors, greenhouse weeds, under benches, and in places where fungus gnat larvae develop.

Storage and Transport:

• Keep the product out of direct sunlight.
• Do not store the product.
• Release the product within 1 day of receiving it.