Swirski Mite – Amblyseius swirskii (Sachets)
Beneficial insect Live product Cool shipping
Characteristics
- Predatory mite for the biological control of thrips and whiteflies; also feeds on soft-bodied, gall and other pest mites as well as pollen.
- Optimum activity at approx. 25–28 °C and sufficient humidity (≥ 65 %).
- Highly mobile; suitable for vegetable and ornamental crops, berry fruit and strawberries – for protected cultivation and, depending on the crop, outdoor use.
- Formulation: Paper sachets with a pre-punched release opening; contain various life stages with carrier material and feed mites (alternative prey).
Mode of action
Amblyseius swirskii actively hunts and sucks out its prey. Depending on the thrips species and conditions, each mite can consume up to approx. 5 thrips larvae per day. Both thrips larvae and eggs/larvae of whiteflies are consumed; adult pest mites are also attacked. Females lay an average of 1–2 eggs per day under good conditions.
Instructions for use
Target pests: Thrips (Thrips tabaci, Frankliniella occidentalis), whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Bemisia tabaci), two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), broad mites (Tarsonemidae) and gall mites (Eriophyidae).
- Timing: Apply as preventive treatment or as early as possible at the first symptoms.
- Application: Hang sachets directly in the crop using a suspension device (do not tear open). The mites will emerge and spread by themselves over several weeks.
- Climate: Application from approx. 20 °C; below 15 °C the mites are hardly active. Optimum 25–28 °C; relative humidity ≥ 65 % (70–80 % preferable).
- Repetition: Repeat every 2–3 weeks if necessary until pest pressure remains consistently low.
Recommended application rates
- Ornamentals & vegetables (depending on plant size)
- up to 50 cm: preventive 25 ind./m²; curative 50–100 ind./m²
- up to 125 cm: preventive 50 ind./m²; curative 100–150 ind./m²
- over 125 cm: preventive 75 ind./m²; curative 150–200 ind./m²
- Pome fruit: 100–200 ind./m² per metre of canopy height
- Berry crops: preventive 25–50 ind./m²; curative 50–150 ind./m²
- Strawberries: preventive 25 ind./m²; curative 50–100 ind./m²
- Sachet application: Attach 1 sachet to every 5th plant (depending on plant density).
Note: Swirskii is not recommended for use in tomatoes. The sachets contain feed mites for the initial development phase – these are not pests and do not reduce quality.
Package sizes
- Sachets containing 250 predatory mites each
Application area
Protected cultivation (greenhouse/indoor) and – depending on the crop – outdoors. Usable all year round indoors.
Storage & shipping
- Storage: up to 2 days at 10–15 °C; apply as soon as possible after receipt.
- Transport: Keep cool/insulated, avoid shocks and direct sunlight. Hold the box by the strip, do not squeeze.
Recommended combinations
- For stronger thrips pressure: pre-treatment with potassium soap (e.g. Neudosan) or initial use of Amblyseius cucumeris.
Compatibility
Do not apply broad-spectrum insecticides/acaricides shortly before or after release. Check the compatibility of plant protection products; use oil- or soap-based agents only selectively and with sufficient time interval.
Plant protection registration number (AT)
- BAES registration number:
- 4301-0 (short version: 4301)
- Details:
- Predatory mites for the control of thrips and whiteflies in protected cultivation
Documents
Safety & legal information
Use plant protection products with care. Always read the label and product information before use. Observe all warnings and symbols in the instructions for use.
Live product / perishable: For beneficial organisms, there is generally no right of withdrawal (AT: § 18 Abs. 1 Z 4 FAGG). Please note the instructions on cool shipping, delivery window and Dead-on-Arrival (DoA). Report DoA cases within 24 hours with photos, batch number and shipment details.
Responsible person for plant protection products (AT)
Mr Pan Rotheneder · Tel.: +43 2249 30531
Technical data
| Type of application |
preventive & curative (early infestation) |
| Infestation level |
light to medium |
| Target pests |
Thrips, whiteflies, broad mites, gall mites; also supplementary control of two-spotted spider mites |
| Application method |
Hanging (sachets) |
| Optimum humidity |
65–80 % rH |
| Temperature range |
min. ~18 °C, optimum 25–28 °C, max. ~32 °C |
10 tips for correct use in home & small gardens
- Seek advice from qualified staff; determine cause and pest pressure.
- Read and follow the full label/instructions for use.
- Observe personal safety measures (wear gloves when handling plants; avoid skin contact with carrier material).
- Do not eat, drink or smoke during application.
- Use only the required amount; avoid leftovers.
- Apply at the right time (avoid full sun/heat or cold periods; check climate conditions).
- Avoid drift of carrier material; do not apply outdoors in strong wind.
- Clean tools/surfaces after use (without disinfectants that could harm beneficials).
- Wash hands after work; change contaminated clothing.
- Store properly (cool, dark, dry), keep out of reach of children, apply promptly.
Keywords
Swirski-Mite, Amblyseius swirskii, predatory mite, thrips, whitefly, larvae, sachets, indoor, broad mites, biological pest control
Notes on suitability for individual situations (crop, climate, previous treatments) do not replace personal advice. Feel free to contact us for further assistance.
