Hypoaspis miles | Stratiolaelaps scimitus | Soil-Dwelling Predatory Mite

 Hypoaspis miles — Soil-Dwelling Predatory Mites 

Most predatory mites work above the soil, but Hypoaspis miles works below it. These native, soil-dwelling predatory mites are built for the underground pest populations that surface treatments miss: fungus gnat larvae cycling through your growing medium, thrips pupating in the soil, root mealybugs undermining your plants from below. Adaptable across a wide range of growing environments, Hypoaspis miles are a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to any soil pest management program.

Tip for viewing: Hypoaspis miles are light-shy and hard to spot in normal conditions. To observe them, turn off the lights for 5–10 minutes, then place a small spoonful onto white paper and use a flashlight; you'll see them moving actively in the low light.

What Are Hypoaspis miles?

Hypoaspis miles (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) are native, soil-dwelling predatory mites with eight legs and oval bodies ranging from brown to tan. Unlike foliar predatory mites that operate on plant surfaces, Hypoaspis miles live and hunt in the top layer of growing media and soil, making them uniquely effective against the soil-stage life cycles of fungus gnats, thrips, and other underground pests.

They are adaptable and versatile, thriving across a wide range of environmental conditions, from commercial greenhouses to container plant systems and garden beds.

What Pests Do Hypoaspis miles Control?

• Fungus Gnats (larvae)
• Thrips (pupae)
• Shore Flies
• Root Mealybugs
• Springtails
• Bulb Mites
• Poultry Mites
• Snake Mites
• Many other soil-dwelling pest species

How Hypoaspis miles Work

Hypoaspis miles establish and reproduce directly in the soil, providing continuous, self-sustaining pest control over time:

• Egg laying: Female Hypoaspis miles lay up to 60 eggs directly in the soil, targeting pest hot spots
• Hatch (Days 1–2): Eggs hatch into larvae within 1–2 days
• Development (Days 2–7): Larvae mature through development stages over 5–7 days
• Adults: Fully developed adults continue hunting for 3–6 weeks
• Full life cycle: Egg to adult in approximately 14 days

This rapid reproduction and short life cycle allows Hypoaspis miles populations to establish quickly and scale in response to pest infestations.

Application Instructions

1. Apply in the morning, evening, or when grow lights are off.
2. Lightly mist the growing medium or soil surface before introducing.
3. Sprinkle bottle contents directly onto the soil surface or growing medium around infested plants. Leave the open container in place for 72 hours to allow any remaining mites to disperse.
4. Reapply every one to two weeks until the infestation is under control.

Application Rates

Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly as needed

Temperature range: 50–96°F

Crops & Growing Environments

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

• Hypoaspis miles work in the soil, for pests on plant foliage, pair with a foliar predatory mite species suited to your specific pests.
• For complete fungus gnat control, pair with SF Beneficial Nematodes. Nematodes work deeper in the soil profile while Hypoaspis miles target the surface layer, giving you layered coverage across the full growing medium.
• If you've recently used pesticides, check chemical compatibility before introducing Hypoaspis miles 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