Neoseiulus californicus Predatory Mites (Californicus)

Californicus (Neoseiulus Californicus)

N. californicus is an effective predatory mite of a wide array of pest mites, in particular, various species of spider mites. Highly tolerant to a wide range of temperatures and relative humidity levels. Establishes well on trees and woody plants, even when pest numbers are scarce and is able to feed on various species of prey and on alternative such as pollen. This means it will be able to maintain populations more easily than some beneficials.

Targets: Two spotted spider mite, carmine spider mite, citrus red mite, begonia mite, broad, cyclamen mites and some gall mite species.

N. californicus is <1mm long, pear-shaped and buff to tan colored. Males are much smaller and darker brown than females, with females generally more numerous. Their eggs are oblong, transparent and white to dirty-white in color. The female lays oval, clear whitish eggs, singly or in small clusters on leaf undersides, often on leaf hairs or at the vein junctions. The rate of development from egg to adult is temperature dependent under greenhouse conditions and ranges from 4-10 days.

Less than 0.02in (0.55mm) long, carlifornicus can thrive in higher temperatures and lower humidity conditions compared to many other predatory mites. Since it can survive with fewer food resources BioCalifornicus can be used preventatively in a wide variety of crops.

BioCaliforinicus may perform better than other predatory mites when humidity is low (between 40-60%).

Product

BioCalifornicus is available in bottles and sachet:

• 100 ml plastic bottle, which contains 5,000 mites mixed with an inert carrier.
• 1 Liter cylinder containing 25,000 / 50,000 mites mixed with an inert carrier.
• Slow-release sachets contain 250 mites/sachet: the sachets allow a prolonged release of BioCalifornicus mites without coming into direct contact with either the foliage or the fruit.

Application

The predatory mites should be released within 24 hours of receipt.

Release BioCalifornicus in the early morning or late afternoon, when the temperature is milder.

Remove the product containers from the box, one at a time and empty their content as quickly as possible.

Before use turn, roll the bottle back and forth gently, to mix BioCalifornicus with the vermiculite.

The predators are released by opening the lid and sprinkling the contents of the bottle on the leaves of the host plants, preferably in a shady area.

The predators should be distributed evenly through the crop, on the foliage, with additional material at the end of the rows and in hotter/drier areas prone to spider mite attack.

Do not expose the bottles to direct sunlight.

Suggested application: 1 -4 per plant dependent on situation. 1,000-4,000 over 1,000 sq ft dependent on situation.

Please note that frequency and amount to be released is determined by the type of crop, environmental conditions, level of infestation and damage incurred by the pest.

Storage

BioCalifornicus is shipped in insulated, chilled boxes. Packaging must be kept intact until placed in the field.

Keep in a cool location 16°C until release; do NOT put bottles in a refrigerator.

If you would like to speak to an expert to produce a tailor-made IPM program to meet your individual needs, please email us at orders@kisorganics.com or call us at (425) 558-0990.

Shipping Notice

Shipping deadlines (PDF, opens in new tab)

This product is not available in California.

We cannot ship live insects to PO Box addresses. All orders placed to a PO Box instead of a physical address will be delayed until an address is provided.

Shipping

Please note we cannot ship this product to California.

Orders can take 1 - 2 weeks to arrive to you. Beneficial Insects are reared to order. You can refer to our order and shipping deadlines to get a better idea of when your order will be ready here (PDF, opens in new tab).

Please feel free to call or email us before placing your order if you have any questions.

All beneficial insects are shipped via an overnight carrier once the order is ready to leave the insectary.

Refunds And Returns

Please note that once you have made your purchase, we are unable to accept returns or process refunds for beneficial insects. The specific quantity and insect state you order are specially reared at the insectary so as to handle your particular pest pressure and arrive viable and ready to get to work!