Stratiolaelaps scimitus are predatory mites often used by natural garden and greenhouse enthusiasts to control fungus gnats that can infest and destroy the roots of potted plants.
A full-sized adult mite can grow up to 1.0 mm in size, while the females tend to be much larger.
The predatory insects live and thrive in the top layer of the soil where plants that have been infested by fungus gnats grow.
Once released, both the adult mites and their young nymph offspring, hunt, and feast on the eggs and larvae of the gnats by chewing on their bodies and sucking out the juices.
The adult female predator can also reproduce at a rapid pace while feeding, which in return helps gardeners in keeping fungus gnats under control.
The beneficial mites can adapt to and thrive in various conditions except for flooding and extremely cold temperatures. They will also feed on the larvae of other soil-dwelling pests such as spider mites and springtails that can be damaging to plants.
To prevent further infestation of fungus gnats, it is best to release the predatory mites when soil conditions are slightly moist, then repeat the process once a week, until the pests are no longer noticeable.
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