Tag: miticide compatibility with beneficial mites

2017 Update: 4 Ways You May Be Killing Your Predatory Mites, and How to Check!

PowerPoint PresentationNote: This is a re-post but contains important information on use of DDVP (dichlorvos) with mite sachets. (See point 4!)

In 2017, I had an interaction with a grower where their long-standing biocontrol program for thrips suddenly seemed to be failing. After a (too long) investigation by  myself, the grower, and consultants, we found out the horrible truth: their predatory mites were being MURDERED (Duh dun DUHNNN!)… By improper storage.

This post focuses on all the ways YOU might also be guilty of mite murder, and how to make sure your mites are still alive and kicking in those little sachets.

(And yes, I’ve stooped to the level of click-bait titles).

Continue reading “2017 Update: 4 Ways You May Be Killing Your Predatory Mites, and How to Check!” →

4 Ways You’re Accidentally Killing Your Predatory Mites!

PowerPoint PresentationNOTE: This is a re-post because it now comes with an awesome new video of how to monitor you mite sachets! 

Recently, I had an interaction with a grower where their long-standing biocontrol program for thrips suddenly seemed to be failing. After a (too long) investigation by  myself, the grower, and several consultants, we found out the horrible truth: their predatory mite were being MURDERED (Duh dun DUHNNN!)… By improper storage.

This post focuses on whether YOU might also be guilty of mite murder. (And yes, I’ve stooped to the level of click-bait titles).

Special thanks to Graeme Murphy (BioLogical Consulting)  Dave Neal (Koppert), Rose Buitenhuis (Vineland Research and Innovation Centre) and especially Ronald Valentin (BioWorks) for all their knowledge that went into this post!

Continue reading “4 Ways You’re Accidentally Killing Your Predatory Mites!” →