Different types of predatory mites are small, agile and indispensable in biological pest control. In this article you can read which of these are suitable for use in the garden or on the windowsill. But be careful: Some predatory mites can be dangerous to humans and animals.

Predatory mites are used for pest control

Table of Contents

Show all
  1. the essentials in brief
  2. What are predatory mites?
  3. Useful predatory mites
  4. Buy predatory mites
  5. Predatory mites application
  6. predatory mites as pests
  7. Predatory mites in the apartment
  8. frequently asked Questions

    9. the essentials in brief

    • There are around 5,500 different species of predatory mites.
    • Some of them are very useful and can be used for biological pest control.
    • Spider mites, thrips and fungus gnats in particular can be combated with their help.
    • Other predatory mites live parasitically and torment dogs, cats, rabbits or birds. They definitely need to be treated.

    What are predatory mites?

    Predatory mites (Gamasina) belong to the subclass of mites (Acari), which includes around 50,000 different species. They belong to the zoological class of arachnids (Arachnida). There are around 5500 different species of predatory mites worldwide, but only a few of them have been extensively scientifically studied to date. Many predatory mites live on the soil surface (epigaean, as the biologist says), but some also hunt in vegetation and are therefore found on plants. Here they are often confused with pests. Other species, on the other hand, live mostly in the soil (endogeic) and are only rarely found on the surface.

    tips

    If you are not sure whether the little creatures on your plants or on the terrace are beneficial or harmful insects, it is best to observe them for a while. They distinguish useful predatory mites from pests by their nimble movements. The hunters are fast and constantly on the move.

    Useful predatory mites - pest control without any chemicals

    youtube

    Some types of predatory mites prefer to hunt annoying plant pests and are therefore very suitable for biological pest control. The advantage of using the little animals is that they are very effective and you don't have to use any poison. In particular, species of these predatory mite genera are suitable as beneficial insects:

    • Amblyseius: Species of this genus are very good for controlling thrips and whiteflies. In particular, the species Amblyseius barkeri is often used.
    • hypoaspis: Predatory mites such as Hypoaspis aculeifer and Hypoaspis miles feed on mosquito species whose eggs and larvae develop in the soil. They can therefore be used well against fungus gnats, for example.
    • Phytoseiulus: This genus is one of the most species-rich predatory mite genera. The species Phytoseiulus persimilis, which lives on leaves and prefers to hunt spider mites, is often used as a beneficial insect. The little animals are particularly successful in cultivating grapes and in greenhouses.
    • Typhlodromus: Typhlodromus pyri also lives on leaves and preys on spider mites.

    All species of predatory mite are vanishingly small

    The following table shows which types of predatory mites you can use against certain pests in the garden, greenhouse and on the windowsill:

    predatory mite species Used against: When and how to use:
    Amblyseius barkeri thrips and soft skin mites Temperatures above 18 °C require high humidity
    Amblyseius cucumeris thrips and soft skin mites Temperatures above 18°C, need high humidity, for indoor plants
    Hypoaspis aculeifer Fungus gnats, swamp fly larvae, thrips pupae, springtails, soft skin mites (common in flower bulbs) Temperatures between 18 and 25 °C are optimal
    Hypoaspis miles Fungus gnats, swampfly larvae, thrips pupae, springtails Temperatures between 18 and 25 °C are optimal
    Phytoseiulus persimilis Spider mites (P. p. look a lot like spider mites!) Temperatures between 18 and 25 °C are optimal, development at 22 °C is twice as fast as that of spider mites
    Typhlodromus pyri Spider mites, primarily in orchards and vineyards occur naturally in fruit trees, but can also be deliberately exposed

    digression

    Use predatory mites against bird red mite

    The red mite is a blood-sucking parasite that is often found in bird husbandry and must be combated stubbornly. A non-toxic, chemical-free method is the use of predatory mites of the species Hypoaspis miles, which can be used easily in the stable and also in the home. Incidentally, Hypoaspis miles is not only suitable for combating blood mites, but also snake mites, for example in terrariums. These predatory mites can be used at temperatures of at least 15 °C.

    Buy predatory mites - you should pay attention to this

    Now the question arises: where do you get these useful predatory mites from? You can easily order them online and have them delivered to your home by post. The various suppliers offer different pack sizes, from which you can choose the right one according to the severity of the pest infestation and the size of the area to be treated. It is best to inquire about suitable delivery units before buying and compare the prices, which can vary quite a bit depending on the provider.

    The predatory mites come well packaged in a special granulate (e.g. vermiculite) or in bean leaves. These contain the necessary nutrients so that the little animals do not starve during their journey. As a rule, they survive the delivery very well, but in rare cases the predatory mites can also die, for example because they have been exposed to the freezing cold for too long.

    tips

    You can use a magnifying glass to check whether the insects are still moving around after delivery or whether there is no movement. Detailed instructions are usually included in the packaging, as is a brush. With this you transfer the predatory mites to the areas infected with pests.

    Breeding predatory mites - this is how it works

    You don't have to keep buying some types of predatory mites, you can breed them yourself at home. This works particularly well with the rather uncomplicated species Typhlodromus pyri, which is usually used against spider mites. For a successful breeding you need:

    • Well sealable plastic cans, content 0.25 litres
    • plaster
    • activated charcoal
    • Food (pollen or live food, e.g. leaf mites)
    • some purchased predatory mites to start with

    And this is how predatory mite breeding works:

    1. Mix gypsum with some activated charcoal and water.
    2. Pour the plaster mix into the plastic cans.
    3. The filling height should be about one third.
    4. Let the plaster dry.
    5. Poke holes in the can lids with a fine needle.
    6. Put the predatory mites in the vessels.
    7. Add some food using a brush.
    8. Seal the cans.
    9. Then feed the predatory mites once or twice a week.
    10. Once the activated charcoal fades, add fresh water with a dropper.

    If necessary, you can simply remove and insert the required amount of predatory mites with a brush.

    Application of predatory mites

    "Avoid toxic chemicals in the garden, after all, nature provides us with enough effective means."

    So that the predatory mites can also fight the spider mites, sufficient insects must be exposed

    Fighting a plague of pests with predatory mites works best if you use the animals preventively or in the early stages. However, if thrips and spider mites have spread or if webs have already developed, the predatory mites are no longer of any help: now heavier artillery has to be deployed to save the plants that have been so extensively infested.

    So that the predatory mites can do their job, you should follow these rules when using them:

    • Expose a sufficient amount of predatory mites. In the case of a light infestation, at least 20 of these creatures per square meter are recommended.
    • After delivery, do not leave the predatory mites in the pack, but put them in as soon as possible.
    • Before doing this, however, carefully read the supplied instructions and make sure you follow the recommendations given there.
    • Some species of predatory mites are very sensitive and require a certain temperature and humidity.
    • Ensure appropriate conditions (especially high humidity!).
    • Apply the predatory mites directly to the infected areas.
    • Don't just spill them.
    • Add predatory mites again after about a week so that the pests do not return.

    After all pests have been eliminated, the predatory mites die or subsequently feed on pollen and nectar. If possible, use the little animals on endangered plants in the spring to prevent pest infestation.

    tips

    In order for the predatory mites to successfully fight the pests, no mite or other pesticides may be applied at the same time. After all, these make no difference between pests and beneficial insects and also kill the predatory mites.

    predatory mites as pests

    Predatory mites sometimes nibble on human skin scales

    In view of the large number of different species of predatory mites, there are of course not only useful ones among them. Some predatory mites make life difficult for humans and animals because they live parasitically on them and feed on skin cells, tissue fluids or even blood. Contrary to what is often suggested, however, these are different species, so you do not have to be afraid of the beneficial predatory mites in your garden.

    Signs of a mite infestation

    An infestation with parasitic species is often noticed by small pustules and redness on the skin, which are often confused with mosquito and other insect bites or neurodermatitis. These spots are often itchy. Small blisters or crusts can also form. As a rule, these symptoms only occur occasionally in humans, since they are uninteresting hosts for most mite species. Exceptions are, for example, the grave mites.

    treatment

    Mites are often found on pets and are a nuisance to them. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and snakes are particularly affected. The animals must be treated - if possible by a veterinarian - to counteract the spread and worsening of the symptoms. You should also clean the apartment thoroughly, as mite nests are often found in small cracks and crevices, but also in blankets, carpets and even in clothing.

    Predatory mites in dogs and cats

    Predatory mites can also infest animals and humans

    If your dog or cat noticeably often itches and scratches, there may be a mite infestation behind it. There is a whole range of mite species that torment the four-legged friend and cause similar symptoms:

    • ear mites: Otodectes cynotis, prefers to colonize the external auditory canal or the skin around the ear. Development from the egg to the adult takes place exclusively in the ear canal. Note is a severe itching in the ears and ear infections.
    • predatory mites: Cheyletiella mites in particular, but also other species, can affect both dogs and cats. These predatory mites are not host-specific, which is why not only Bello, but also the house cat, the child's rabbit or even you yourself can be attacked. If you notice small scales on the skin or fur, which are associated with severe itching, a mite infestation is possible.
    • mange mites: Sarkoptes scabei (var. canis), also known as grave mites. These little creatures are highly contagious and cause symptoms that can be mistaken for an allergic reaction. Typical is the insatiable, severe itching.

    In the event of such symptoms, you should immediately consult a veterinarian, who will prescribe anti-inflammatory, anti-mite medication for your four-legged friend to relieve itching.

    digression

    Can dog mites also spread to humans?

    In particular, burrow mites, predatory mites that are more common in dogs and free-roaming cats, can spread to humans and cause scabies (scabies) in the skin. Caution is therefore required with pets suffering from sarcoptic mange! It is also possible for Cheyletiella mites to be transmitted from dogs to humans and to other pets, especially cats and rabbits.

    Predatory mites in the apartment - what to do?

    If a mite infestation has been found in your pets, there is a high probability that mite nests will also be found in the apartment. Although most of the little animals develop and live on the animal, adult mite females can also survive outside their host for a longer period of time. In addition, some types of predatory mites do not live directly on the host, but only seek it out for food. In order to keep the apartment free of mites, these measures are now necessary:

    Predatory mites like dust mites like to live in the bed

    • Strip the bed.
    • Thoroughly wash the bed waxes at 60°C.
    • Vacuum the mattress and treat it with an anti-mite agent.
    • The same applies to carpets, especially high-pile varieties.
    • Also wash blankets and (ornamental) pillows.
    • Stuffed animals should either be washed or frozen for 24 hours.
    • Ventilate thoroughly several times a day.
    • The humidity inside the apartment should not be too high.
    • Seal cracks and the like in the wall and floor, for example with silicone.

    frequently asked Questions

    What do predatory mites feed on?

    What the various predatory mites eat depends on the species. Hunting predatory mites feed primarily on the tissue fluids of other insects, such as spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats, etc. However, they also suck eggs and larvae or, if there is not enough animal food available, they feed on nectar and other plant matter. These predatory mites are very useful in the garden and are often used to control pests.

    Things are more problematic with species of predatory mites that have specialized in larger prey and live parasitically on dogs, cats or birds, for example. They often feed on blood, but also on other bodily components (e.g. tissue fluid). These animals can cause eczema and other diseases and are therefore undesirable.

    Can bird mites also infect humans?

    As the name suggests, bird mites are predatory mites that prefer to infest poultry such as chickens, pigeons and wild birds. The red mite, a common bloodsucker, is particularly dangerous for humans and must therefore be systematically combated.

    How dangerous are predatory mites for humans?

    Predatory mites trigger allergic reactions in humans and animals, which manifest themselves, for example, in severely itchy skin rashes. But also asthma or scabies caused by grave mites are typical consequences of a mite infestation. Fortunately, however, this only applies to a few species, because only a few of the approximately 50,000 different species of mites are really dangerous to humans.

    tips

    Mattresses should be replaced every five to seven years to limit mite infestation.

Category:

Animals in the garden