How to release CalSwi (Swirskii & Californicus)

What’s in the CalSwi Tube?

  1. Predator: Amblyseius swirskii & Neoseiulus cucumeris
  2. Carrier: Sterilized bran or vermiculite mixture
  3. Food: Feeder mite

How to release CalSwi ?

  • For best results, release as soon as receiving shipment.
  • Gently rotate the tube to evenly mix the mites in the carrying material,
  • Sprinkle on top of plant canopy or place in bio boxes hung on the plant. Focus in hot spot areas.
  • Avoid pesticides (organic or synthetic) before and after release.
  • Avoid top watering or washing plants after release.

Can you store CalSwi?

We recommend releasing the predators immediately upon arrival.

If storage is necessary the tube can be stored for 1 day at room temperature in a dark, humid place (RH 60% or more). Avoid any contact with direct sunlight.

How to check the quality of the mites?

Due to colder temperatures during shipment predatory mites tends to gather in the middle of the tube. If at first you don’t see any movement, allow the shipment to come to room temperature before conducting a quality check.

To check, gently rotate the tube to evenly mix the mites. Pour a small sample on a white piece of paper and use a minimum 10x lens.

How to promote establishment?

Temp and humidity: Predatory mites prefers a warm and humid environment (25-27°C and over 70% RH).

Supplementary foodMite BoosterFeeder mitesBugfeed

How to spot predatory mites after releasing?

To examine the presence of predatory mites gently tap plants or flowers over a white piece of paper, inspect with a 10x lens. Scouts may also look under leaves (near the veins and hairs) with a lens to find predatory mite eggs.