Use predatory mites and breed them yourself

predatory mites (Gamasina) are a large group and only a few species have been studied in detail. Their small habitats are very diverse. Many species are epigeic, i. H. on the soil surface, some endogeic (in the upper soil layers), still others forage in vegetation, such as on leaves of trees. They are usually very quick and can take down prey that is a lot larger than themselves.

Important Species

The best known predatory mites include species of the genera Phytoseiulus, Amblyseius, Hypoaspis and Typhlodromus. The exact determination of the species is done microscopically. In addition to the genera mentioned, there are now other species in breeding that can be used specifically against pests.

• Phytoseiulus persimilis and Typhlodromus pyri are leaf dwellers and are used against spider mites, preferably in greenhouses
• most Amblyseius species are good for controlling thrips and whiteflies. Amblyseius barkeri is also used against soft skin mites
• Hypoaspis miles and Hypoaspis aculeifer are epigeal species useful in controlling midges whose eggs and larvae develop in the soil, such as mosquitoes. B. fungus gnats

acquisition and use

The types mentioned above and some others can now be ordered very easily on the Internet. Delivery is by post, in special packaging or in substrate. Normally, a magnifying glass with good magnification is sufficient to check the health of the animals.
Depending on the area of ​​application, the animals are then transferred to the appropriate substrate with a brush. More detailed instructions are usually included with the delivery.

Keeping and breeding using the example of Typhlodromus pyri

Some species, such as Typhlodromus pyri, are relatively easy to grow at room temperature. All you need for feeding is pollen. Birch pollen is particularly suitable because it can easily be harvested in large quantities. Optionally, you can also order pollen for little money from the animal feed supply. However, since its composition is unknown, it is difficult to predict whether and how well the animals will accept it.

The animals are kept in 0.25l containers known as meat salad boxes. About a third of these are filled with plaster mixed with activated charcoal. The substrate should have enough time to dry, then the animals can already be put on and some food can be added with a fine brush. The lid must be sufficiently perforated, but a certain level of humidity should always be maintained. When the black color of the activated carbon fades (which is usually the case after a few days at the latest), it is time to moisten it again, which is best done with a pipette on the edge of the cup. Feed as needed, once or twice a week. T pyri can also be supplied with live food. Feeding with leaf gall mites or curl mites gives good results.

After a certain time (approx. 1 month) the container must be changed. The animals are again transferred by brushing. A small Plexiglas roof is placed in the container for breeding. The females lay their eggs underneath, which are brushed off after 1-2 days or transferred to a new shell together with the roof. Depending on the temperature, the young hatch after 2-4 days and are sexually mature within about two to three weeks.

Of course, no exhaustive description of the keeping and breeding of various predatory mites can be given here. It is always best to see the practice with an experienced breeder.

Effects of predatory mites

If the apple variety is already poisoned by the red spine, the sugar content is greatly reduced. Flowering in the following year is reduced. Of course you can come with me crop protection products put to work. However, the funds then also attack the healthy fruit.

It would make ecological sense to use predatory mites. These little creatures feed on red spiders. You can get predatory mites in garden shops or on the Internet. The predatory mites are delivered on bean leaves. The leaves contain the females as well as eggs. Each delivery contains approx. 1,000 little animals. The eggs are released directly on the plant. It is important to ensure that it is not too warm when exposed. Therefore, it makes sense to put the eggs on the plants in the evening or in the morning or when the weather is cloudy.

Predatory mites eat 5 spider mites or approx. 20 spider mite larvae. Only when all pests have been eliminated does the predatory mite migrate to other plants where they are spider mites condition. Predatory mites are definitely safer than chemicals. The little animals are neither harmful to humans nor to other animals such as e.g. B.Pets. Are there no more spider mites on the Plant, the predatory mites eat themselves. Or they starve to death after a few days.

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