Hypoaspis miles ( stratiolaelaps scimitus ),25,0, 1 liter tube ( Fungus gnat, Thrips )

The Hypoaspis miles, also known as Stratiolaelaps scimitus, is a highly effective predatory mite widely used in integrated pest management (IPM) systems. These beneficial mites are natural predators of soil-dwelling pests, making them an essential addition to any pest control strategy for growers battling fungus gnats, thrips, and other nuisances. 

Packaged in convenient 1-liter tubes containing approximately 25,000 mites, Hypoaspis Miles offers an eco-friendly, sustainable solution to protect plants and improve growing conditions.

What are Hypoaspis miles?

Hypoaspis miles, a soil-dwelling predatory mite, is a natural biological control agent used to target a variety of pests. Found in the top half-inch of soil or growing media, these mites actively seek out and consume pest larvae, offering long-term protection for plants.

Primary Targets

• Fungus Gnat Larvae: Hypoaspis miles attacks and kills the larvae of fungus gnats, breaking the pest’s lifecycle at a vulnerable stage. While they do not target eggs or pupae, their effectiveness against larvae significantly reduces gnat populations.
• Thrips Larvae: These mites also consume thrips larvae that drop into the soil to pupate. This makes them a valuable addition to other thrips control measures, such as products targeting Western Flower Thrips.
• Other Soil Pests: Hypoaspis miles feed on a wide range of pests present in soil or growing media, improving overall pest management.

Life Cycle and Behavior

Understanding the life cycle of Hypoaspis miles is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness in pest control.

Egg Stage

• Females lay eggs in the soil or growing media.
• Eggs hatch after six days, giving rise to larvae.

Larval Stage

• Larvae actively feed on pest larvae for about 10 days, consuming up to eight first-instar larvae daily.

Adult Stage

• After reaching adulthood, Hypoaspis miles continue to feed on pests and can survive for several months if food is readily available.
• Adults are highly mobile, ensuring widespread coverage within the treated area.

Advantages of Hypoaspis miles

These predatory mites offer numerous benefits, making them a preferred choice for pest management in various agricultural and horticultural settings:

• Natural and Eco-Friendly: Hypoaspis miles provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. They pose no risk to plants, beneficial insects, or humans, making them safe for use in organic growing systems.
• Targeted Pest Control: These mites focus on soil-dwelling pests, tackling problems at the root (literally). Their preference for larvae makes them an excellent choice for breaking pest life cycles and preventing infestations from escalating.
• Versatility: Hypoaspis miles is effective against a variety of soil pests, including fungus gnats and thrips, offering broad-spectrum protection in one application.
• Long-Term Efficacy: Once introduced, Hypoaspis miles establishes itself in the soil or growing medium, providing continuous protection as long as food sources are present.

How to Use Hypoaspis miles

Proper application and environmental conditions are key to ensuring the success of Hypoaspis miles as a biological control agent.

Application Instructions

1. Preparation: Ensure that soil or growing media is moist but not waterlogged. Hypoaspis miles thrives in well-aerated environments.
2. Distribution: Open the 1-liter tube and evenly distribute the mites across the soil surface or growing media. Focus on areas where pests are most prevalent.
3. Coverage: One tube (containing 25,000 mites) typically covers 100–200 square feet, depending on the severity of the infestation.
4. Frequency: For preventive use, a single application is sufficient. For active infestations, consider reapplying every 4–6 weeks.

Ideal Conditions

• Maintain soil moisture levels suitable for plant growth, as dry conditions can reduce mite activity.
• Ensure temperatures range between 50°F and 86°F for optimal mite performance.

Best Practices for Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Hypoaspis miles is most effective when used as part of an integrated pest management plan. Pairing them with other control methods enhances their efficiency and broadens their impact:

Fungus Gnats

• Use Hypoaspis miles alongside sticky traps to monitor and reduce adult gnat populations.
• Combine with biological products such as Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis (Bt-i) to target larvae in water or soil.

Thrips

• Deploy Hypoaspis miles to target soil-dwelling larvae while using predatory insects like Orius insidiosus to attack adults on plant foliage.

Why Choose Hypoaspis Miles?

Growers in both commercial and residential settings trust Hypoaspis Miles for its proven effectiveness and ease of use. Here’s why it’s a standout choice for pest control:

• Efficiency: Capable of consuming multiple pest larvae daily, Hypoaspis miles offers fast and reliable pest reduction.
• Sustainability: As a natural predator, these mites contribute to environmentally friendly growing practices.
• Cost-Effectiveness: With a long lifespan and self-sustaining populations, a single introduction can provide extended pest control.