Stethorus punctillum - Spider Mite Destroyer

TARGET PEST: Two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), European red mite (Panonychus ulmi), spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis), Southern red mite (Oligonychus ilicis) and Lewis mite.  FOR YOUR FILES: Stethorus punctillum Tech Sheet (PDF) Stethorus punctillum is a specialized spider mite predator in the lady beetle family. Adult beetles can fly and have an unusually good ability to find small infestations of spider mite. Best control of spider mites is achieved when S. punctillum is used along with predatory mites P. persimilis or A. fallacis. Rates: 0.5-4 beetles per 10 square feet of crop canopy. For prevention of Lewis mite, start August 1 and apply 0.3 to 1.0 beetles/m2 bi-weekly. For infested areas apply 3/m2 and in the middle of the house at 0.3/m2. The beetles centrally released will focus on new or unknown hotspots and also supplement problem areas.  Stethorus are sold in small containers of 100 adults. These beneficial insects are shipped in shredded paper or other