Cucu-care is temporarily being shipped in white or neutral sachets instead of green sachets.
Neoseiulus (formerly Amblyseius) cucumeris is a small beige predatory mite that feeds primarily on the eggs and young larvae (first larval stage) of thrips. Adult Neoseiulus cucumeris lives about 3 weeks. This can be a little shorter or longer depending on temperature.
Cucu-care mite sachets
Cucu-care contains Neoseiulus cucumeris mites in various life stages, including eggs and young nymphs. There are also feeder mites in the bran substrate inside the baggies. The feeder mites eat the bran, and in turn they become food for the emerging predatory mites.
How to use Cucu-care
The sachets should be spread evenly throughout the plants. Hang them on the stems of the plants, ideally close to where the stems meet the leaves so that the mites have less distance to travel to find any thrips that may be present. Predatory mites leave the baggies through the pre-punched openings. Do not enlarge these holes in the bags, as the culture may dry out. Do not dampen the culture bags unnecessarily either.
How many mite sachets per plant?
Houseplants: Generally, we recommend using between 1 - 3 baggies per plant. This depends on how big the plants are. In extra large plants, such as statement houseplants with sprawling foliage or taking up a significant amount of space, up to five baggies can be used. Tiny plants can be grouped together so that their leaves are touching, and just one baggie can be used. In most 'typical' houseplants, we recommend one or two baggies.
Crops: In most crops, we recommend 1 baggie per plant.
How long does Cucu-care work?
The baggies are designed so that the predatory mites will begin running out of the bags about a week after you receive them. The predatory mites will run out of the bags gradually over a period of 4 weeks. After this time, you will need to replace the baggies for renewed protection against thrips.
Preventing thrips is key
With systematic use of these slow-release baggies in your crops or houseplants, the thrips will never get a chance to establish an infestation. They are invaluable in houseplants sensitive to thrips such as Monstera, Anthurium, and Calathea, as well as in crops such as capsicums, cucumbers and aubergines. If you've ever had to deal with a persistent thrips infestation before, then you know how frustrating it can be to resolve. The slow-release sachets will save you a lot of worry and hassle in the long run!
Larger thrips outbreaks
If you are already dealing with a larger thrips problem, you should choose the cucumeris predatory mites in the tube. This contains the same predatory mite, but it is a much higher dose of mites and is more effective against an active thrips outbreak. We recommend following up any of our thrips treatments with Cucu-care mite sachets, to clean up any lingering eggs and to prevent the outbreak from happening again.
Combining predatory mites with sprays
You should not combine these slow-release sachets, or any treatments with beneficial insects, for that matter, with any type of sprays or pesticides, either chemical or natural. If you've treated with any products or you need advice, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.
