6 replies to this topic

[Queen]

Has anyone used predatory mites in their nests, specifically, Hypoaspis miles / Stratiolaelaps scimitis?

 

Have a few questions:

1) How much of the predatory mites do you dump in?

2) Where do you dump the predatory mites in?

3) Did the predatory mites eat grain mites and booklice?

4) If the predatory mites run out of food source, do they die off, or are they known to attack eggs/larva?

5) If the predatory mites do not run out of food source, do they explode in population?

 

Contemplating in getting some before my grain mites population explodes... Any thoughts appreciated!

[ZTYguy]

if you have a grain mite problem then hypoaspis are a great choice

[ANTdrew]

I had a very successful experience using predatory mites to deal with a bad grain mite infestation last summer. Read my thread about it: https://www.formicul...t/?fromsearch=1

[Queen]

I had a very successful experience using predatory mites to deal with a bad grain mite infestation last summer. Read my thread about it: https://www.formicul...t/?fromsearch=1

 

Thank you that was a very informative read. I may consider buying them if adding ventilating to reduce moisture does not work in reducing their numbers.

 

What happened with the predatory mites afterward? Did they just die off?

 

At any point, did the predatory mites bother the developing egg/larva?

[ANTdrew]

I can’t see anymore mites in the setup, so I assume they died off. They did not harm eggs or brood of the ants in any way. The only downside I can think of is the high price, but it’s worth it if you really want to get rid of trash mites.

[Queen]

I can’t see anymore mites in the setup, so I assume they died off. They did not harm eggs or brood of the ants in any way. The only downside I can think of is the high price, but it’s worth it if you really want to get rid of trash mites.

 

Thanks! and at what point did you finally resort to using predatory mites?

 

I don't think my infestation is huge right now. Though I see a few of them here and there hanging around the outside of the outworld container and the nestmates, they're not crawling on the table or other items not related to the ant enclosures/nest. Not sure if I should try reducing moisture first by adding mesh to the sides of my THA nests (hopefully without harming the ants' needed humidity) or go straight to predatory mites.

[ANTdrew]

At some point this summer, their population will skyrocket. Dealing with it early may be easier than waiting for it to get out of control.