Stratiolaelaps scimitus - Fungus Gnat Control

TARGET PEST: Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.), Western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) FOR YOUR FILES: Stratiolaelaps scimitus Tech Sheet (PDF) Description Application Rates Instructions for Use Stratiolaelaps scimitus ‘Womersley’ (formerly Hypoaspis miles) is a native species of soil dwelling mite, which feeds on small insects and mites (e.g., springtails, root mealybug crawlers, spider mites). This beneficial mite moves rapidly over the soil surface. Stratiolaelaps are natural enemies used primarily to control young larvae of fungus gnats in the soil or planting media. To control high numbers of fungus gnats, use of Stratiolaelaps can be integrated with insect parasitic nematodes (e.g., Steinernema spp.) or Bacillus thurinigiensis israelensis (BTI), both of which control the larval stage of fungus gnats. They also help control soil stages of thrips and may account for up to 30% of thrips control. Stratiolaelaps do not control shore flies or moth flies, but will feed on oth