CONTROLLING
RED SPIDER MITES WITH PREDATORY MITES. Two-spotted spider mites and many others
are the target food of P. persimilis, which will consume 5-10 pest adults
or up to 20 pest eggs a day. This predator mite which comes from the
sub-tropical regions is a lively shiny mite with a pinkish red color and has
obvious long legs. When released during a low infestation, spider mites can be
controlled within 2-3 weeks. P. persimilis need a relative humidity greater then
60% in order to survive, especially in the egg stage. Persimilis are most
effective at tempertures ranging from 50 to 90 degrees F, but does best where
tempertures remain below 85 degrees F. Once the adults' food supply dwindles, P.
persimilis die. If reinfestation occurs, P. persimilis must be
reintroduced, preferabley every 3-5 weeks, or in combination with either, G.
occidenantalis or N. californicus. Available year round.