Phytoseiulus persimilis Bottled Mites - Fast Spider Mite Knockdown
TARGET PESTS
What Bottled Persimilis Goes After
Two-spotted spider mites
Its main target, at every stage from egg to adult.
Carmine red mites and Pacific spider mites
Controlled at higher release rates.
P. persimilis eats only spider mites. It won't control broad mites, russet mites, cyclamen mites, thrips or other pests.
Want protection after the knockdown?
Persimilis dies off once the spider mites are gone, so pair it:
- Amblyseius andersoni or Neoseiulus californicus for standing protection, since they hold on when prey is scarce.
- Stethorus punctillum, a predatory beetle with a big appetite for spider mites.
- Feltiella acarisuga, which flies to colonies other predators can't reach.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
What's in the Bottle
Each bottle holds mostly adult persimilis, ready to hunt, mixed into a light carrier that helps them spread evenly as you shake it over your plants. Choose 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, 10,000 or 25,000 mites per bottle.
How Persimilis Works
P. persimilis was one of the first predatory mites used in pest management. It's a Type I specialist that eats only spider mites. Adults are about 0.5 mm long, pear-shaped and bright orange to red. Females lay eggs inside spider mite colonies, including in the webbing; eggs hatch in 2–3 days, the larvae don't feed, and the nymphs and adults eat spider mites at every stage. An adult female can eat up to 40 spider mite eggs a day above 68°F. At 70–80°F it goes from egg to adult in about a week, roughly twice as fast as spider mites, and each female lays up to 60 eggs over her lifetime.
When to Reach for the Bottle
- Spider mites are already on your plants, or webbing has started.
- You need predators on a hot spot right away.
- Humidity stays above 60%, which persimilis eggs need to hatch.
Persimilis dies off once it clears the spider mites, so release again if they come back. For steady protection between bottle releases, hang Persimilis sachets.
Where It Works
Vegetables, hemp, strawberries and other soft fruit, and ornamentals, in greenhouses, indoor grow rooms, interior plantscapes and outdoor crops. Thick leaf hairs, such as on some tomato varieties, slow it down.
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
- Fits easily into an existing IPM program
INTRODUCTION RATES
Bottled Release Rates
General starting points. Adjust for the pest, the plant and how bad the infestation is, and check pests and predators regularly.
- Light infestation: 0.5–2 mites per sq. ft., every 1–2 weeks
- Heavy infestation: 2–4 mites per sq. ft., every 1–2 weeks
Carmine red mites and Pacific spider mites need higher rates than two-spotted spider mites.
How Far a Bottle Goes
| Size | Light (0.5–2 per sq. ft.) | Heavy (2–4 per sq. ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 500–2,000 sq. ft. | 250–500 sq. ft. |
| 2,000 | 1,000–4,000 sq. ft. | 500–1,000 sq. ft. |
| 4,000 | 2,000–8,000 sq. ft. | 1,000–2,000 sq. ft. |
| 10,000 | 5,000–20,000 sq. ft. | 2,500–5,000 sq. ft. |
| 25,000 | 12,500–50,000 sq. ft. | 6,250–12,500 sq. ft. |
Temperature & Humidity Range
Effective range: 70–90°F; best 70–80°F
Humidity: 60–90%. Below 60%, persimilis eggs dry out and don't hatch.
APPLICATION
How to Release Bottled Persimilis
- Release in the early morning, in the evening, or when grow lights are off.
- Mist leaves lightly before releasing.
- Lay the bottle on its side and gently roll it to mix the mites through the carrier.
- Sprinkle the contents onto the most heavily infested plants first, concentrating on the hot spots, or pour them into hanging release boxes.
- Leave the open bottle near the plants for 72 hours so the last mites can walk out.
- Repeat every 1–2 weeks until the infestation is under control.
Pro Tips
Hanging Boxes for Bottled Mites
Pour bottled mites into hanging release boxes to keep them where the spider mites are and keep the carrier dry.
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 releasing.
STORAGE
FAQs
Should I buy bottles or sachets?
Bottles put a large number of predators on your plants at once, so they suit spider mites that have already started. Sachets release predators slowly over 2–4 weeks and suit prevention.
I can't see any mites in the bottle. Is that normal?
Yes. Persimilis are tiny and hide in the carrier. Tip a little onto white paper in a warm room and watch with a magnifier; they're orange and move fast.
Why did spider mites come back after persimilis cleared them?
Persimilis eats only spider mites, so once they're gone it dies off. Release again when mites return, or pair it with Amblyseius andersoni or Neoseiulus californicus for standing protection.
My growing area is dry. Will persimilis work?
Its eggs need humidity above 60% to hatch. Mist leaves before releasing. In consistently dry air, Neoseiulus californicus is a better fit.
Is bottled persimilis safe for people, pets and plants?
When used as directed, yes. Persimilis isn't known to bite people or pets, and it doesn't feed on plants. It eats only spider mites, and its numbers fall once they're gone.
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.