Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) – Soil Mite Predator for Fungus Gnats, Root Aphids & Thrips Pupae

Stratiolaelaps scimitus (formerly Hypoaspis miles) is a soil-dwelling predatory mite that targets fungus gnats, root aphids, thrips pupae, and other root-zone pests. Living primarily in the top ½ inch of soil or growing media, these beneficial mites provide preventative and curative control in greenhouses, nurseries, container crops, and indoor grow rooms. Safe for plants and people, S. scimitus is a core tool for integrated pest management in soil and substrate systems.

How It Works
Once introduced, these mites patrol the upper soil layers, feeding on pest eggs, larvae, and pupae. Females lay eggs directly into the substrate, and the complete lifecycle takes ~13 days, depending on temperature and humidity. With sufficient moisture, S. scimitus populations establish quickly and persist across the root zone, providing long-term suppression of soil-dwelling pests.

Targets These Pest Species

• Fungus Gnat Larvae (Bradysia impatiens)

• Root Aphids

• Thrips Pupae (Frankliniella spp.)

• Springtails

• Bean Thrips

• Spider mite eggs (limited impact)

Ideal Conditions

• Soil temperature: 60–74°F (15–23°C)

• Humidity: Moderate to high relative humidity

• Lifecycle duration: ~13 days

• Persistence: Long-term survival in moist, organic media

• Best results when applied during potting or early crop stages

Application Instructions

• Rotate the container gently before opening to distribute mites evenly in the carrier

• Open lid and sprinkle contents directly onto the growing media or incorporate into substrate during potting

• Mites disperse naturally through the root zone after application

• Repeat weekly in active infestations until pest populations decline

• Combine with Steinernema feltiae nematodes and sticky traps for layered control

Release Rates

• Preventative: 5–10 mites per sq. ft. (~5,000–10,000 per 1,000 sq. ft.)

• Heavy infestations: 30+ mites per sq. ft. (~30,000 per 1,000 sq. ft.)

• Reapply weekly during infestations or as needed for crop cycles

Where to Use

• Greenhouses and indoor grow rooms

• Container plants and nurseries

• Orchards and vineyards

• Soil blocks, coco coir, and rockwool substrates

• Outdoor crops with high organic soil content

• Interiorscapes and moist growing environments

Shipping & Storage

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

• Shipped Overnight for viability

• Packaging sizes: 12,500 (16 oz. bottle), 25,000 (1 L bottle), 50,000 (two 1 L bottles), 125,000 (5 L bag)

• Store in a cool, dark place (do not refrigerate)

• Use within 18 hours of receipt for best results

• Not available for shipping to: HI, PR, VI, GU, AS, PW

Quick Tips
✔ Apply during early crop stages or at transplant for prevention
✔ Works synergistically with S. feltiae nematodes for fungus gnat suppression
✔ Establishes best in moist, organic substrates with irrigation
✔ Monitor activity with sticky traps before and after release
✘ Not recommended for dry, inert, or low-organic media