Life cycle of Hypoaspis
Stratiolaelaps scimitus is a light brown-beige predatory mite also known as Hypoaspis. Stratiolaelaps scimitus measures 1 mm and looks like a mini spider. They are naturally present in a large part of Europe. This predator is very mobile, lives naturally in the upper layer of the soil (1-4 cm deep) and feeds on insect pests such as springtails, thrips pupae and larvae of various sciarids. Females lay eggs in the soil. Development from egg to adult at 25°C takes about 10 to 13 days. Hypoaspis thrives in moist soil (loam) and can live up to 7 weeks without food. The predatory mite is active at temperatures above 10°C. The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25°C.
Controlling surface insects with Stratiolaelaps scimitus
Hypoaspis controls surface insects such as springtails, thrips pupae and the larvae and pupae of various sciarids. In case of severe infestations, Hypoaspis can be used in combination with Stenema to quickly control a large population of sciarid larvae. In practice, this predatory mite also has a secondary effect against millipedes, root lice and other soil pests.
Application
The mites, together with the substrate, should be spread in small piles on the soil or potting soil.
How much?
- For high infection rates and/or short cultivation times, 500 to 1,000 Hypoaspis/m² are used.
- 50 to 500 Hypoaspis/m² should be used for low infection rates and/or longer cultivation times.
Controlling varroa mites with Stratiolaelaps scimitus
The varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is an external parasite that occurs on insects, but can only reproduce on the brood of bees. In the hive, this mite is therefore the number one enemy. Canada has many years of experience in the use of Hypoaspis against the Varroa mite. The introduction of Hypoaspis into the hives will control the Varroa mite. The predatory mites should be distributed directly between the top slats or frames. The result is that after about 10 days you will find all sorts of small body parts of the Varroa mite in the hive; these are fragments of the dead Varroa mite. The population is unbalanced and thus considerably reduced by Hypoaspis.
The Varroa mite cannot be completely eliminated, but chemical treatments are no longer necessary when Hypoaspis is introduced into the hives in the spring. The behavior of the bees seems to change when Hypoaspis is dispersed in the hives. If a bee is covered with varroa mites, it will go to the hypoaspis to get rid of them. Hypoaspis mites have no negative influence on bees, honey and wax. They can be used throughout the season, but preferably at a temperature of 15°C. Temperature plays an important role in the structuring of the hypoaspis population. Therefore, a minimum temperature of 15°C is preferable. Sprinkle 250 ml per hive
Packaging
Hypoaspis is available in quantities of 500, 10,000, 25,000 or 125,000 mites. The substrate is a mixture of vermiculite and peat with meal mites as food. After delivery, the predatory mites should be released as soon as possible. The product can be stored for a few days in a humid environment between 12 and 18°C. However, as the product is likely to dry out very quickly, the cardboard tubes should be kept moist by wrapping them in damp paper, if storage is absolutely necessary.
