Product Description
Special Blend combines four predatory mite species (Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius andersoni, Amblyseius cucumeris, and Amblyseius swirskii) for broad-spectrum spider mite control across a wide temperature and humidity range. Available as bottled mites for active infestations or slow-release sachets for ongoing prevention. Safe for people, pets, and edible plants. IPM compatible.
Choosing the right predatory mite for your situation can feel complicated. Special Blend takes that decision off the table. By combining four complementary species in a single product, it delivers broad spider mite control that holds up across varying temperatures, humidity levels, and growing environments, including home gardens, houseplants, greenhouses, and grow rooms.
What's in Special Blend?
Special Blend brings together four proven predatory mite species, each contributing unique strengths:
| Species | Strength |
| Phytoseiulus persimilis | Specialist hunger of two-spotted spider mites |
| Amblyseius andersoni | Generalist; thrives in high heat and low humidity |
| Amblyseius cucumeris | Effective against thrips larvae & spider mite prevention |
| Amblyseius swirskii | Targets spider mites, thrips larvae, & whitefly eggs |
Together, these species cover a temperature range of 47–104°F and humidity range of 40–90%, making Special Blend a versatile spider mite control solution.
What Pests Does Special Blend Control?
Primary Targets:
- Two-Spotted Spider Mites
- Broad Mites
- Rust Mites
- Cyclamen Mites
- Carmine Red Mites
- Pacific Mites
- Russet Hemp Mites
- Many other mite species
Secondary Targets:
- Thrips larvae
- Whitefly eggs and crawlers
Bottle vs Sachet
Bottled Mites For Active Infestations
- High concentration of active adults, ready to get to work immediately
- Introduce weekly or every other week as needed
- Effective indoors and outdoors: gardens, houseplants, greenhouses, and agricultural areas
Slow-Release Sachets For Prevention & Maintenance
- Ideal for preventative programs and low-level maintenance
- All life stages present, delivering a steady population of predators over 2–4 weeks
- A cost-effective way to keep continuous protection on your plants
Application Instructions
Bottled Mites
- Apply in the morning, evening, or when grow lights are off.
- Locate infested plants and knock down any existing webbing.
- Lightly mist leaves before introducing.
- Sprinkle bottle contents directly onto infested foliage, or pour into hanging boxes to concentrate predators on target areas without mess. Leave the open container in place for 72 hours to allow any remaining mites to disperse.
- Reapply every one to two weeks until the infestation is under control.
Slow Release Sachets
- Identify the plants you want to protect.
- Hang sachets on the plant, out of direct sunlight.
- Replace every 2–4 weeks to maintain a continuous predator presence.
Sachet care: Avoid letting sachets dry out completely. Keep away from direct sunlight. Prolonged moisture or damp conditions can cause sachets to degrade or encourage fungal growth.
Application Rates
Bottled Mites
| Infestation Level | Rate | Frequency |
| Light | 2-4 mites per sq. ft. | Weekly or bi-Weekly, as needed |
| Heavy | 5-10 mites per sq. ft. | Weekly or bi-Weekly, as needed |
Slow Release Sachets
If plants are touching: One sachet per 6 linear feet
If plants are not touching: One sachet per plant
Replaced every 2–4 weeks.
Growing Conditions
Temperature range: 47–104°F
Humidity range: 40–90%
Storage
Introduce immediately upon receipt for best results. If storage is necessary:
- Store at 45–55°F for no longer than 24 hours
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Do not freeze
Pro Tips
- For complete spider mite elimination, pair Special Blend with Stethorus punctillum and/or Feltiella acarisuga for a multi-strategy approach.
- Support predator populations between releases with our Good Bug Supplemental Diet, which is a blend of Ephestia and Artemia (allergy disclaimer – contains shellfish), rich in proteins, lipids, and essential fatty acids.
- Use Hanging Boxes to keep sachets and bottle contents dry, concentrated on target areas, and easy to introduce without mess.
- If you've recently used pesticides, check chemical compatibility before introducing predatory mites to avoid reducing their effectiveness.
Chemical Compatibility
Certain pesticides and fertilizers can harm predatory mites and significantly reduce their effectiveness. Always verify compatibility before applying any treatments alongside your biological control program.
Safe, Natural Pest Control
- 100% natural — no synthetic chemicals
- Safe around people and pets
- Safe for edible plants and food gardens
- Compatible with IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs
- Leaves no residue
- No protective equipment required