SPIDER MITE PREDATORS

[jondoe67]

About 3 weeks ago I purchased some spider mite preditors...longiepies and californiums, within 3 days the plants came back from the dead and grew like mad....5 days ago I noticed webbing on the leaves and web lines dropping down from the tops, the drop lines seemed to be bigger than I remember. I called the place of purchase and they said not to take off webbing, because I might destroy the existing preditors....So I ordered more, they arrived 3 days ago and were applied immediately. Now after 3 days there is probably 4 to 5 times more webbing, maybe there not working???. I called and she suggested I order just the lonepies, they will be here th 6th. However, if the infestation continues at the current rate, they will all be dead by then...Is it possible that the predator mites are eating the plants?. the lady at hydro garden assured me that was impossible. The plants are 3 to 5 per 35 gallon tote and they can't be taken out of the bin for maintenance. Should I bug bomb them?...they are about 4 ft tall and over due for flowering...I tried orange guard, organicide, sm 90, alcohol and various bug bombs. Should I wait for the new mites a day or two, or is there some way I can help them now?.

jondoe67 Reviewed by jondoe67 on 11-01-2008. SPIDER MITE PREDATORS About 3 weeks ago I purchased some spider mite preditors...longiepies and californiums, within 3 days the plants came back from the dead and grew like mad....5 days ago I noticed webbing on the leaves and web lines dropping down from the tops, the drop lines seemed to be bigger than I remember. I called the place of purchase and they said not to take off webbing, because I might destroy the existing preditors....So I ordered more, they arrived 3 days ago and were applied immediately. Now after Rating: 5

[jondoe67]

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[mistaswift]

some of the most frightning pics i have ever seen man

[Wobster]

Hmmm, I have never heard of either of the predators you are using. I googled longiepies and got nothing. I googled Californiums and only found info on a synthetic element. I was wondering if either of the natural predators created their own webs but cant find info on them. I would remove the webbing by hand for definate. I would also be tempted to bug bomb it... this will kill the natural predators to though. I would let the space airiate big time before introducing lady bugs. They are an age old enemy of the spider mite and I can guarantee they work. This is only what I would do in your situation. Maybe someone knows of the natural predators you have used and can help you more. The pics are mad.... scary, creepy mad!

[Wobster]

Ahhh, I found some info about Neoseiulus californium: A predatory mite but the info I found reads like a complicated scientific text that I cant make much sense of :wtf:

[Dreadscale]

Hi All !!! :thumbsup:

jondoe67 I appreciate the predator idea but at this point I would get out the neem oil!!!

[jondoe67]

Thanks for your repplies.....I stayed with the predator mites and I'm very happy I did. I simply waited a week too long to reapply, they are around 7ft. now. I'll post pics before harvest. I found out commercial greenhouses have successfully been using them for years......Phytoseiulus Persimilis is the critter I ended up with. Their temp. range is 55 to 105...and humidity 60 to 85%, they do have other species with different temp. and humidity ranges. I can now say I'm 100% organic . They do work, if you follow instructions, I'll NEVER go back to chemicals, sprays, or hand washing again, www.hydro-gardens is where I buy mine. As a matter of fact they work so well I'm considering starting a small in sectary and rearing them myself.......:hippy: