Amblyseius cucumeris Sachets - FAQs

Why hang sachets before I even see thrips?
Thrips hide in buds and leaf folds, so you usually spot damage after they've multiplied. Cucumeris can live on pollen until thrips arrive, so early sachets have predators waiting for the first larvae.

Is it too cold to hang sachets in early spring?
Cucumeris stays active in fairly cool weather, but it breeds more slowly as it gets colder. For the best start, hang sachets when temperatures are 66–80°F if you can.

How long does one sachet last?
Plan on replacing it every 2–4 weeks. Swap it sooner if it has dried out or gotten soaked.

I sprayed recently. How long do I wait before hanging sachets?
It depends on the product. Neem oil and insecticidal soap kill predatory mites on contact, and some pesticides stay harmful for days or weeks after they dry. Look up what you used in which chemicals are safe for predatory mites, then wait the recommended interval. Don't spray while sachets are hanging.

Are cucumeris sachets safe for people, pets and plants?
When used as directed, yes. Cucumeris isn't known to bite people or pets, and it doesn't feed on plants. It eats small pests and pollen, and its numbers fall once food runs out.

What are the other tiny mites in my sachets?
Those are feeder mites. They're harmless and don't eat plants. They're packed in with the cucumeris as an instant food source, so young predatory mites have something to eat while they develop.