Amblyseius cucumeris Sachets - Slow-Release Thrips & Mite Prevention
TARGET PESTS
What Cucumeris Sachets Protect Against
Thrips, Caught Young
Sachet mites catch thrips in their first larval stage, before they can grow and multiply: western flower thrips, eastern flower thrips, onion thrips, greenhouse thrips and melon thrips.
Small Plant-Feeding Mites
Broad mites, cyclamen mites, tomato russet mites and some other plant-feeding mites.
A. cucumeris may also feed on spider mites, but sachets won't control an established spider mite problem. For that, use Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus.
When Thrips Get Ahead of the Sachets
Sachets are a preventive tool, not a rescue. If thrips numbers climb:
- Add bottled cucumeris for a fast dose of predators.
- Bring in Orius insidiosus (Minute Pirate Bug) for adult thrips.
- Treat the soil stages with Sf beneficial nematodes.
- Once it's regularly above 80°F, switch to or add A. swirskii.
PRODUCT 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
INTRODUCTION RATES
Sachet Rates
Sachets are a preventive tool, so one rate covers most situations:
- Plants touching: hang 1 sachet per 3–6 sq. ft.
- Plants not touching: hang 1 sachet per plant.
- Replace every 2–4 weeks.
These are general starting points. Adjust for the pest, the plant and the season, and check pests and predators regularly.
Temperature & Humidity
Effective range: 54–80°F (best 66–80°F). Humidity: 65–72%. Cucumeris eggs are sensitive to dry air, and a sachet that dries out stops producing mites.
APPLICATION
How to Hang Cucumeris Sachets
- Pick the plants you want to protect.
- Hang each sachet inside the canopy, touching the foliage so mites can walk straight onto the plant, out of direct sunlight.
- Keep sachets from drying out, but don't hang them where they'll stay soaked, since constant dampness can grow mold.
- Replace every 2–4 weeks.
Pro Tips
Good Bug Supplemental Diet
When pest numbers are low, hang Good Bug Supplemental Diet tabs near your sachets so predators still have food and stay on your plants. Contains shellfish (Artemia).
Chemical Compatibility
Sprayed recently? Some pesticides harm predatory mites for days or weeks after they dry. Check which chemicals are safe for predatory mites and how long to wait before you hang sachets.
STORAGE
Hang sachets the day they arrive. If you can't, keep them for no more than 8 hours at 55–65°F, out of direct sunlight. Never put sachets in the refrigerator, a cooler or an air-conditioned room; dry air ruins the colony inside.
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.
DISCLAIMER / SHIPPING POLICY
STORE POLICIES
Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing your order, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund and Return Policy. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.
We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Products are sold for home use only, not commercial use.
QUALITY GUARANTEE
If your beneficial insects or other perishable products are not viable when delivered, email info@naturesgoodguys.com within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and a description of the problem. Photos may be requested. Approved replacements ship on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
- Open your package right away and check for storage instructions. Some products need refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
- Ice packs help moderate temperature in transit and are not expected to arrive frozen.
- Some insects need time at room temperature before they become active, and many are hard to see without magnification.
SHIPPING
- Processing: 1 to 3 business days. Orders placed by 12:00 pm Pacific may process the same day, but this is not guaranteed.
- Overnight: ships Monday to Thursday, and Friday for addresses with Saturday delivery, excluding holidays.
- Second Day: ships Monday to Wednesday, and Thursday for addresses with Saturday delivery.
- USPS: ships Monday to Friday.
- We do not ship to PO boxes.
Some products are harvested on set days, and we may hold shipments during extreme weather to protect product quality. We will contact you if your order is delayed significantly.
CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS
Please contact us within 30 minutes of placing your order to change or cancel it.
RETURNS AND REPLACEMENTS
Beneficial insects and other perishable products cannot be returned; they are covered by the Quality Guarantee above. Unopened garden supplies and tools can be returned within 30 days. Full details are in our Refund and Return Policy.
Replacements are not available for an incorrect shipping address, storage or use instructions not followed, or packages left uncollected after delivery.