03-07-2003, 01:20 PM
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Phytoseiulus persimilis - red carpet treatment
(Ian Burns) wrote in message om...
At this time of year, the whole area of our garden under concrete (a
terrace and paved areas) are swarming with what I believe are
Phytoseiulus persimilis, best known as the predator for red spider
mite.
The only references for this species I can find through Google are to
its use to control red spider mite. As far as I know we have no red
spider mite. The infestations have happened every summer since the
house was built in 1998.
While they seem to be harmless, nobody wants to sit out on our terrace
because of this 'red carpet'.
What do you recommend to control/eliminate this pest. And where can I
find out something about their habitat, breeding, etc?
Ian
For the benefit of anybody else Googling through the newsgroups for
help with this creature, some further digging around on the internet
leads me to believe these creatures are 'clover mites'.
Clover mites are bright red, about 1/50th inch long, are known for
swarming in huge numbers and live off the sap of grasses and other
plants.
Sadly, all the references I can find (a couple included below) are
from US sources, though I, at least, am convinced that this is the
creature infesting my Chester, UK garden.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2095.html
http://muextension.missouri.edu/xplo...sts/g07358.htm
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