Beneficial "Pests"---natural mite solution: USA & UK sources

[Elizabeth Freer]

Has anyone tried Hypoaspis as a solution for reddish-orange mites often found on WC geckos?

In the United Kingdom: Handy Tips - Defenders

In Tennessee, USA: Biocontrol Network - Beneficial Insects, Mites and Organisms is located in Tennessee, USA.
1-800-441-BUGS

Graham Slade has reported that when Hypoaspis is used in combination with springtails, the Hypoaspis can last a long time.

 

[Carlos Vicente]

Hi, Hipoaspis miles eat anything they can. I read some months ago on another forum one person trying with Hipoaspis for mites in Corallus caninus. In the begining work very good, but finally mites didn´t disappear, and he bought commercial products.

Otherwise I think Hipoaspis could work better against red mites in geckos because these aren't like mites in snakes. In snakes are most prolific.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Hi, Hipoaspis miles eat anything they can. I read some months ago on another forum one person trying with Hipoaspis for mites in Corallus caninus. In the begining work very good, but finally mites didn´t disappear, and he bought commercial products.

Otherwise I think Hipoaspis could work better against red mites in geckos because these aren't like mites in snakes. In snakes are most prolific.

Thank you for this info, Carlos. I have not tried Hypoaspis yet. When the gecko mites have disappeared, and after several weeks like maybe one month, is it easy to get rid of the Hypoaspis?

 

[Carlos Vicente]

Well, the life cycle in Hypoaspis is very fast (around 24-30 days if I remember) and they are 100% predators then if you don´t have mites in terrarium or animals they don't have food and they will die in a few weeks.

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Well, the life cycle in Hypoaspis is very fast (around 24-30 days if I remember) and they are 100% predators then if you don´t have mites in terrarium or animals they don't have food and they will die in a few weeks.

What you say about their life cycle is great news, Carlos! Don't like extra bugs around. Even like to contain as best I can Blaptica dubia feeders in glass bowls or bar glasses . So the Hypoaspis would climb right on the gecko and pick off mites from the gecko's skin? How about if the mites were right around the gecko's eyes. (Have not received these WC geckos yet.)

 

[Carlos Vicente]

Don't like extra bugs around

Yes, they're great cleaners!!

How about if the mites were right around the gecko's eyes.

I think they don't have any problem, they are very good hunters. I saw some pics of them hunting and eating they are little killers. They can eat anything has their same size. But remember, I speak from the theory have not tried it yet.

When they eat all the mites you can feed them with Collembolla if you want have a colony.

I don't have any problem with mites at this moment but I would like to keep this little killers only for fun.

 

[AeroWRX]

Arbico Organics is a very quick turnaround. They ship extremely fast and has every shipping option available to you. New England Herpetoculture has some great springtails and isopod selections as well

Organic Gardening Supplies and Biological Pest Control Products from ARBICO

 

[Graham_s]

I have used hypoaspis a couple of times, and as I have planted vivaria, I have established populations now, presumably as they are feeding on springtails and other such critters. Seems to be a sign that I have some healthy micro-ecosystems!