If you subscribe to an IPM Monitoring Program from IPM of Alaska, we will inspect new plant shipments for no charge. These predatory mites are often more effective than pesticides and can completely eliminate spider mites under some conditions. They are also the most commonly used commercially available natural enemies for controlling spider mites in greenhouses. They are not recommended, however, for controlling heavy infestations indoors, or problems on individual plants. Be sure to check with IPM of Alaska to determine which species is appropriate for your growing conditions and plants.
Some species are host specific and each predator works better under different weather conditions.
If predators are used, do not apply pesticides that will kill them. The oils, both horticultural oil and dormant oil, are very effective. Horticultural oils can be used on perennial and woody ornamentals during the summer at the 1 to 2 percent rate. The insecticidal soaps are useful in the warm season. Remember that mites are very tiny and soaps and oils work by contact only.