
These are live insects and MUST be shipped OVERNIGHT. No USPS or ground shipping.TARGET PEST: Two-spotted spider mite, European red mite, Spruce spider mite, Southern red mite. *Note: These rates are for preventative control only, multiple releases and/or higher quantities are necessary for heavier infestations. RELEASE INSTRUCTIONS: Once you have arrived home with your Stethorus, you must use them immediately. Stethorus punctillum cannot be stored. Release weekly for 3-4 weeks by shaking out the insects onto "hot spots" where spider mite infestation is greatest. General release rates are 100 adult beetles per hot spot.Stethorus are shipped in small containers of 50 or 100 adults. They are shipped in shredded paper or other packing material to provide protection; mortality in these containers should be less than 10%. Once the beetles warm up they become active immediately and should be released into the spider mite infested areas as soon as possible. DESCRIPTION: LIFESPAN: If necessary, beetles can be stored for a few days at 10° - 16°C (50°-61°F), but longer storage will reduce egg laying and adult life span. Best control of spider mites is achieved when Stethorus is used along with predatory mites. Use care when removing leaves from infested plants. Keep any leaves with Stethorus pupae in the greenhouse one week or until adult beetles have emerged. The pesticide fenbutatin oxide (Vendex ) can be used with Stethorus for additional control of spider mites if "hot spots" develop. It does not harm Stethorus, but avoid over-spraying, which reduces the predators food supply and their ability to reproduce.Spreader-stickers, supreme oils and soaps are harmful to beetles contacted by the spray, but have little residual activity. STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS: Best control of spider mites is achieved when Stethorus is used along with predatory mites. Use care when removing leaves from infested plants. Keep any leaves with Stethorus pupae in the greenhouse one week or until adult beetles have emerged. The pesticide fenbutatin oxide (Vendex ) can be used with Stethorus for additional control of spider mites if “hot spots” develop. It does not harm Stethorus, but avoid over-spraying, which reduces the predators food supply and their ability to reproduce. Spreader-stickers, supreme oils and soaps are harmful to beetles contacted by the spray, but have little residual activity. FOR BEST RESULTS Stethorus is a great option for cannabis growers in the flowering stage as it is not deterred by the trichomes of the plant. Weekly applications should provide sufficient control of two spot spider mites in flower. |