Galendromus occidentalis - Specialist for Hot, Dry Conditions
TARGET PESTS
Galendromus occidentalis targets a broad spectrum of plant-feeding mites, making it a versatile biocontrol agent. Primary targets include spider mites in the family Tetranychidae, such as the two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), Pacific spider mite (Tetranychus pacificus), Willamette mite (Eotetranychus willamettei), European red mite (Panonychus ulmi), citrus red mite (Panonychus citri), McDaniel mite (Tetranychus mcdanieli), spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis), and persea mite (Oligonychus perseae). It also preys on russet mites in the family Eriophyidae.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Galendromus occidentalis, commonly known as the western predatory mite, is a member of the family Phytoseiidae (Order Acari). Adults are pear-shaped and approximately 1/70 inch (0.36 mm) in length. Nymphs resemble small adults but are more oval in shape. Adults and nymphs are translucent to white, or take on the coloration of their prey.
A key distinguishing trait of this species is its environmental tolerance. The western predatory mite tolerates hot temperatures and low relative humidity, functioning across a relative humidity range of 40 to 80%. It can remain active year-round in mild climates, and in colder regions it overwinters as mated females in bark crevices and ground litter. This adaptability makes it especially well-suited for warm, arid growing environments where other predatory mite species may struggle.
CROPS
Galendromus occidentalis is well-suited for use across a wide range of agricultural systems, both field and protected. Recommended crops include:
- Tree fruits & nuts: Deciduous fruit trees, avocado, and nut orchards
- Vines: Vineyards (wine and table grapes), hops
- Specialty crops: Hemp, medicinal cannabis
- Vegetables: Tomato, cucumber, sweet peppers, and other greenhouse vegetables
- Ornamentals: Roses, gerbera, interiorscapes, and other ornamental plants
INTRODUCTION RATES
- Indoors Releases: 1,000 per 500 sq. ft. bi-weekly for 2-3 applications. Release approximately 1 predatory mite per 5 pest mites.
- Outdoor Releases: 2,000-5,000 per acre bi-weekly for 2-3 applications.
APPLICTION
- Introduce in the morning, evening, or when grow lights are off.
- Locate plants with infestation and knock down any webbing, if applicable.
- Lightly mist leaves before introduction.
- Disperse mites onto infested area by sprinkling bottle contents directly onto plants, or pour bottle contents into hanging boxes to concentrate your predators without making a mess. Leave open container in place for 72 hours to allow any remaining mites to be introduced.
- Introduce predatory mites bi-weekly until infestation is under control.
- Locate plants where you want to prevent infestation.
- Hang sachet on plant, out of direct sunlight.
- Introduce slow release sachets every 2-4 weeks to prevent infestation.
Sachets should not be allowed to dry up entirely, and direct sunlight should be avoided. Prolonged moisture and damp environments can cause sachets to degrade or encourage fungal growth.
STORAGE
DISCLAIMER / SHIPPING POLICY
STORE POLICIES
Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing an order, please review our policies on Shipping & Processing, Live Delivery Guarantee, and Returns/Replacements. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.
We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Any product purchased is intended for home use only and not for commercial use.
At NaturesGoodGuys, we are committed to delivering healthy, high-quality beneficial insects to support your gardening success. If your insects arrive non-viable, contact us within 48 hours of delivery at info@naturesgoodguys.com with your order number and a detailed description of the issue. Photos of the insects and packaging may be required. Our team will assess the situation and work toward a suitable resolution.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- The "Live Delivery Guarantee" applies only to the condition of the insects upon delivery and does not cover loss due to incorrect storage or later perish-ability.
- We evaluate eligibility on a a case-by-case basis, considering factors like species, hatching times, and temperature conditions.
- Replacements are processed and shipped on Wednesdays & Thursdays only.
UPON DELIVERY
- Open your package immediately and check for storage instructions. Some insects require refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
- Ice packs are not expected to remain frozen upon arrival—they are only used to help regulate temperature and moisture during transit.
- Some insects may appear inactive at first. Allow time for them to adjust before assessing viability. Many species require magnification to be seen clearly.
SHIPPING CONSIDERATIONS
- Some species or quantities have limited shipping options to ensure short transit times for viability.
- If you are concerned about insect health during transit, we recommend selecting overnight shipping to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
We do our best to keep all products in stock, but nature doesn’t always follow our schedule! Because we work with the natural reproductive cycles of living organisms, occasional delays may occur.
Some insects are harvested on specific days, and at times, a harvest may be delayed. If this happens, we will ship your order as soon as possible and notify you via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
SEASONAL & WEATHER DELAYS
Extreme weather and seasonal conditions can impact shipping times and the viability of live insects. To ensure the best possible arrival, we may delay shipments during severe heat waves, cold spells, or other extreme conditions. If your order is affected, we will hold it temporarily and ship when conditions improve. You will be notified via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
Due to our high order volume, any changes or cancellations must be requested within 30 minutes of placing your order. If your order has already entered production, we will do our best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee modifications or cancellations at that stage.
RETURNS & REPLACEMENTS
If you receive an item that is damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us immediately upon receiving your shipment so we can resolve the issue. Replacements may be issued if the order qualifies under our Live Delivery Guarantee. Eligibility is determined by our customer support team.
WHEN REPLACEMENTS ARE NOT COVERED
While we are happy to replace damaged, lost, or incorrect packages, we cannot replace orders in the following situations:
INCORRECT SHIPPING INFORMATION
- If an incorrect address was entered at checkout, we cannot replace the order.
- If you notice an address error before your order has been processed, contact us immediately so we can attempt to correct it.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW STORAGE & USE INSTRUCTIONS
- Each order includes detailed instructions on proper storage and use, which are also available on our website.
- Failure to follow these instructions, or using a product incorrectly, may result in unsatisfactory results.
- Our customer service team will assess whether proper handling steps were followed before considering a claim.
DELAYED PACKAGE RETRIEVAL
- If a package is left outside, in a mailbox, or returned to the post office due to the recipient being unavailable at delivery, this can stress or kill live insects.
- We do not replace orders that perish due to delayed retrieval.
- Tracking information is provided for all shipments—please ensure you are available to receive your order.
DISCLAIMER / SHIPPING POLICY
STORE POLICIES
Thank you for shopping with us! Before placing an order, please review our policies on Shipping & Processing, Live Delivery Guarantee, and Returns/Replacements. By completing your purchase, you agree to these terms.
We do not provide recommendations on pesticide use. Any product purchased is intended for home use only and not for commercial use.
At NaturesGoodGuys, we are committed to delivering healthy, high-quality beneficial insects to support your gardening success. If your insects arrive non-viable, contact us within 48 hours of delivery at info@naturesgoodguys.com with your order number and a detailed description of the issue. Photos of the insects and packaging may be required. Our team will assess the situation and work toward a suitable resolution.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- The "Live Delivery Guarantee" applies only to the condition of the insects upon delivery and does not cover loss due to incorrect storage or later perish-ability.
- We evaluate eligibility on a a case-by-case basis, considering factors like species, hatching times, and temperature conditions.
- Replacements are processed and shipped on Wednesdays & Thursdays only.
UPON DELIVERY
- Open your package immediately and check for storage instructions. Some insects require refrigeration, and improper storage voids the guarantee.
- Ice packs are not expected to remain frozen upon arrival—they are only used to help regulate temperature and moisture during transit.
- Some insects may appear inactive at first. Allow time for them to adjust before assessing viability. Many species require magnification to be seen clearly.
SHIPPING CONSIDERATIONS
- Some species or quantities have limited shipping options to ensure short transit times for viability.
- If you are concerned about insect health during transit, we recommend selecting overnight shipping to reduce stress and improve survival rates.
We do our best to keep all products in stock, but nature doesn’t always follow our schedule! Because we work with the natural reproductive cycles of living organisms, occasional delays may occur.
Some insects are harvested on specific days, and at times, a harvest may be delayed. If this happens, we will ship your order as soon as possible and notify you via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
SEASONAL & WEATHER DELAYS
Extreme weather and seasonal conditions can impact shipping times and the viability of live insects. To ensure the best possible arrival, we may delay shipments during severe heat waves, cold spells, or other extreme conditions. If your order is affected, we will hold it temporarily and ship when conditions improve. You will be notified via email or phone if there is a significant delay.
CHANGES & CANCELLATIONS
Due to our high order volume, any changes or cancellations must be requested within 30 minutes of placing your order. If your order has already entered production, we will do our best to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee modifications or cancellations at that stage.
RETURNS & REPLACEMENTS
If you receive an item that is damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us immediately upon receiving your shipment so we can resolve the issue. Replacements may be issued if the order qualifies under our Live Delivery Guarantee. Eligibility is determined by our customer support team.
WHEN REPLACEMENTS ARE NOT COVERED
While we are happy to replace damaged, lost, or incorrect packages, we cannot replace orders in the following situations:
INCORRECT SHIPPING INFORMATION
- If an incorrect address was entered at checkout, we cannot replace the order.
- If you notice an address error before your order has been processed, contact us immediately so we can attempt to correct it.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW STORAGE & USE INSTRUCTIONS
- Each order includes detailed instructions on proper storage and use, which are also available on our website.
- Failure to follow these instructions, or using a product incorrectly, may result in unsatisfactory results.
- Our customer service team will assess whether proper handling steps were followed before considering a claim.
DELAYED PACKAGE RETRIEVAL
- If a package is left outside, in a mailbox, or returned to the post office due to the recipient being unavailable at delivery, this can stress or kill live insects.
- We do not replace orders that perish due to delayed retrieval.
- Tracking information is provided for all shipments—please ensure you are available to receive your order.