Amblyseius cucumeris Sachets - Description
What's Inside a Sachet
Each hanging sachet holds about 1,000 cucumeris mites in a bran mix. Mites walk out through a small hole a few at a time, so plants get a steady supply of predators instead of one release.
About the Feeder Mites
You may also see tiny feeder mites in the sachet. They're harmless and don't eat plants. They're there as an instant food source, so the young predatory mites developing inside always have something to eat.
How Cucumeris Works
A. cucumeris is a generalist predatory mite that hunts young thrips larvae and small mites, and it can live on pollen until pests show up. That's why sachets work before you see any thrips. Females lay eggs on the fine hairs along the veins under leaves, where thrips larvae feed. At 66–80°F, young mites reach adulthood in about 10 days, and adults live 4–5 weeks.
When to Hang Sachets
- Early in the season, before thrips build up.
- In cool spring conditions, 54–80°F, when many other predators are slow.
- Between treatments, to keep predators on the plants with no repeated handling.
Cucumeris or Swirskii?
Let temperature decide. Cucumeris sachets cover 54–80°F. Above that, A. swirskii takes over from 68°F into the mid-90s and adds whitefly eggs and young nymphs to its diet.
Safe, Sustainable Pest Management
- No synthetic pesticides
- Safe around people and pets when used as directed
- Safe for use on edible crops when used as directed
- Works alongside the rest of your IPM program