Amblyseius andersoni – Predatory Mite for Broad, Russet & Spider Mite Control

Amblyseius andersoni is a generalist predatory mite native to North America, valued for its ability to control a wide range of mite pests—even at low population levels. What sets A. andersoni apart is its adaptability: it remains active in cooler environments down to 42°F and continues to suppress pests before visible damage occurs. It’s an excellent option for early-season or preventative releases in greenhouses, gardens, nurseries, and more.

How It Works

All mobile stages of A. andersoni are active predators. They patrol plant surfaces in search of pest mites—including eggs, nymphs, and adults—and feed directly on them. When prey is scarce, they survive by consuming pollen, honeydew, and small arthropods, allowing them to remain present and ready before pests reappear. This makes them ideal for preventive programs and crop environments with fluctuating pest pressure.

Targets These Mite Species

• Broad Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus)

• Cyclamen Mite (Phytonemus pallidus)

• Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus urticae)

• Carmine Mite

• Red Spider Mite (Tetranychus cinnabarinus)

• Tomato Russet Mite (Aculops lycopersici)

• Rust Mites (Eriophyidae)

⚠️ A. andersoni may feed on thrips eggs but is not suitable for controlling active thrips infestations. For thrips suppression, pair with A. cucumeris or minute pirate bugs (Orius insidiosus).

Ideal Conditions

• Temperature Range: 42–100°F (active as low as 42°F)

• Humidity: Higher humidity preferred, especially at warmer temperatures

• Day Length Sensitivity: May enter diapause in <10-hour day lengths

• Preferred Alternate Foods: Pollen, honeydew, thrips eggs (non-primary)

Application Instructions

Choose the application method that fits your crop type and growing environment.

Sachets on Sticks

• Insert sticks at planting or transplanting

• Switch to mini-sachets once plants mature

• Repeat applications every 4 weeks

Mini-Sachets

• Tear sachets along perforations

• Hang one sachet every 2 meters inside the plant canopy

• Avoid placing near heating pipes or in direct sunlight

• Provides 4–6 weeks of slow release

Sachet Strips

• Lay strips within the canopy along crop rows

• Attach to the irrigation boom if desired

• Use six strips per case

• Do not separate individual sachets

Loose Media (1L & 5L Bottles)

• Apply evenly to foliage (not growing media)

• Avoid applying directly to flowers during bloom

• 1 mite per square foot is a general guideline

• Repeat as needed during the growing season

Release Rates

• Loose Media: ~1 mite per square foot

• Sachets/Strips: 1 sachet per plant or tray

• Tomatoes & resinous crops: May require higher release rates

• Frequency: Repeat every 4 weeks or as needed

• Works best when introduced before infestations take hold

Where to Use

• Greenhouses

• Outdoor Gardens

• Nurseries

• Grow Rooms

• Hydroponics & Aquaponics

• Interiorscapes

• Container Plants

• Suitable for use with overhead irrigation

Shipping & Storage

• Ships via Overnight only (orders processed with 7-day lead time)

• Ships Tuesdays only; order by Tuesday for the following week

• Do Not Refrigerate

• Store at 50–59°F, out of direct sunlight

• Use within 18 hours of receipt

What’s in the Package?

• 1L Bottle: Adult mites mixed with vermiculite

• 5L Bag: Higher volume of adult mites ready for propagation zones

• Mini-Sachets / Sachets / Strips: Combination of immature and adult mites, designed for 4–6 weeks of continued release

• Sachet strips include 1 active sachet per 6 to control release and limit mite loss between plants

Quick Tips

• Best used preventatively or early in infestation

• Pair with Phytoseiulus persimilis or Stethorus punctillum for enhanced spider mite control

• Do not place sachets near heating pipes

• Continue releases every 4 weeks for ongoing coverage

• High humidity improves performance in hot environments

• Not effective for thrips alone—combine with dedicated thrips predators