Bugs For Bugs Hypoaspis
$54.90
A soil-dwelling predatory mite that feeds on fungus gnats, thrips and other small soil-borne pests. Hypoaspis mites are also proven predators of Phorid and Sciarid flies in mushroom farming systems. Supplied in tubs containing 20,000 mites (all stages).
Hypoaspis (Stratiolaelaps scimitus, formerly Hypoaspis miles) are robust soil-dwelling predatory mites that feed on a wide range of soft-bodied organisms. They are particularly useful predators of the egg and larval stages of fungus gnats and shore flies. Hypoaspis also feed on thrips (including western flower thrips) that drop to the soil to pupate. This predator is widely used around the world and plays an especially important role in greenhouses and nurseries where fungus gnats are a serious threat.
Target pests
- Fungus gnats
- Shore flies
- Phorid flies
- Sciarid flies
- Thrips
Advantages
- A robust predatory mite that provides long term control
- Survives at low-prey density
- Suitable for preventative releases
Suitable crop environments
Hypoaspis are well suited to greenhouse and nursery environments. They can also be used in field crops and are now recognised as valuable aids to mushroom production. They establish well in a variety of growing media (including soil, potting mixes, perlite, coconut coir and rock wool), provided it is suitably porous and well drained to avoid waterlogging. Hypoaspis are active at temperatures as low as 10°C, however they perform best at 20-30°C.
Recommended release rates
Bugs For Bugs recommend an initial preventative release at propagation/planting, followed by a second release 2 weeks later.