Fungus Gnat Destroyer – Hypoaspis miles
“Hungry Hungry Hypos”
Hypoaspis miles are a fairly large predatory mite that target fungus gnats in the soil. Hypoaspis miles can consume up to 8 small fungus gnats per day. These predatory mites establish themselves in the soil in various root environments and other growing media, including potting compost and rock wool. They are especially fond of dark, damp places and are not highly tolerant of dry conditions. Hypoaspis miles can move quite rapidly, and the depth at which they are found in the soil depends on humidity, type and how compact it is.
The body and legs of this mite are brown, whilst the jaws are darker brown. The females are larger than the males and can be as long as 1 mm, and have a visible white stripe on the terminal body segment. The eggs, larvae and first nymph stages are white, with nymphs becoming light brown as they age.
Hypoaspis miles have a long lifespan and can survive for some time without food. Adults can survive 3-4 weeks without food, and much longer if they have fed adequately beforehand. However in the absence of food, egg-laying ceases.
Release Instructions – Apply this product evenly on the soil or in 5 ml (1 tsp) piles at the base of each infected plant. 250 grams will cover up to 20 medium plants. The soil should be moist but not too wet.
*It can possibly take several weeks (depending on the introduction rate) until the Hypoaspis is established in the soil. In a greenhouse setting it is more effective to introduce this product at the beginning of the crop. For house plants, introduce this product at least twice a year (every six months) and when re-potting.
