Thrips Predator – Amblyseius cucumeris

Ships via Overnight methods on Tuesdays Only. Minimum 7-day lead time prior to shipment. See Shipping Info for details. Amblyseius cucumeris predatory mites are primarily thrips predators, but will also feed on a range of mite species in different environments. Tan colored and about 0.5mm long, they can be slow to establish – 4-8 weeks under ideal conditions – meaning they are best used for prevention and low-level management of thrips infestations. Control is often seen 3 weeks after release. They will find alternate food sources* in the absence of prey. It is important to pair A. cucumeris with a suitable mite predator for control of any of the listed pest mites if populations are established.

Target Prey: Immature Thrips, Two-Spotted Spider Mites, Cyclamen Mites & Broad Mites

Key Features:

Wide range of food sources.

Highly compatible with S. scimitus, rove beetles and minute pirate bugs for thrips control.

Often combined with A. andersoni for mite control.

Sustain themselves in low pest levels.

Multiple release types allows for variable uses in different growing environments.

Optimal Conditions: 68°-77°F, 65-70% relative humidity

Release Rates & Recommendations: Release A. cucumeris when thrips populations are low. Early season monitoring can be done with blue or yellow sticky traps. Moisture and humidity help increase hatch rates; however, sachets should be kept dry when applying. Do not use with A. swirskii. Some crops, including tomatoes & other highly resinous crops, require higher release rates.

Preventive Release Rates – Make initial releases before thrips issues develop to allow A. cucumeris to establish. This can take 4-8 weeks.

Shaker Tubes in Vermiculite/Bran: 10-20 mites per sq. ft. or 100-200 per square meter. Make weekly broadcast applications.

Mini-Sachets/Sachets on Sticks: Apply one sachet per propagation tray or plant. Repeat applications every 4 weeks.

Spot Treatment Release Rates (Acute Treatment) – Use when isolated areas of pest pressure are present.

Shaker Tubes in Vermiculite/Bran: Apply 20-40 mites per sq. ft. (100-400 per square meter). Reapply weekly in broadcast applications until pest issues have subsided.

This Product Controls These Pests or Diseases: Bean Thrips (Caliothrips fasciatus), Broad Mites, Russet Mites, Spider Mites, Thrips**, Western Flower Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)

* Without prey, N. cucumeris will feed on the eggs and immature life stages of P. persimilis, all stages of A. swirskii along with pollen available on the plants.

** When controlling established thrips populations, consider using Minute Pirate Bugs to gain control and A. cucumeris to maintain control.