{"product_id":"spider-mite-predators-spical-plus-neoseiulus-californicus","title":"Spical PLUS Spider Mite Predators | Neoseiulus Californicus Predatory Mites","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpical PLUS Spider Mite Predators\u003c\/strong\u003e contain \u003cstrong\u003eNeoseiulus californicus\u003c\/strong\u003e (formerly known as Amblyseius californicus), one of the most effective and resilient predatory mites available for biological \u003cstrong\u003espider mite control\u003c\/strong\u003e. Unlike many specialist predators, Neoseiulus californicus can survive for extended periods even when prey numbers are low, making it ideal for both preventative releases and active infestations. Widely used in commercial greenhouses, indoor grow rooms, nurseries and ornamental crops, Spical PLUS provides long-lasting protection against spider mites and other damaging mite species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cb2026;\"\u003eSPECIAL ORDER • Freshly bred and shipped direct from the UK breeder. Order by Wednesday 9am for Friday delivery to ensure your predators arrive in peak condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen spider mites are already present, we strongly recommend combining Spical PLUS with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/spider-mite-predators\"\u003ePhytoseiulus persimilis Spider Mite Predators\u003c\/a\u003e. Whilst Phytoseiulus persimilis is often considered the fastest predator for knocking down active spider mite populations, Neoseiulus californicus is generally the tougher and more adaptable predator, offering superior survival rates across a wider range of environmental conditions. Together they provide one of the most effective biological spider mite control programmes available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpider Mite Predators for Long-Term Biological Control\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpical PLUS releases a continuous supply of predatory mites into your crop over several weeks. These predators establish themselves within the growing environment and actively hunt pest mites, helping reduce infestations naturally without the need for chemical pesticides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong-lasting controlled release system\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChemical-free spider mite control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSuitable for preventative and curative applications\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent survival in varying environmental conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSafe for edible crops, ornamentals and houseplants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with integrated pest management (IPM) programmes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for grow rooms, greenhouses, nurseries and gardens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Pests Do Spical PLUS Control?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeoseiulus californicus targets all life stages, including eggs, nymphs and adults, of numerous mite species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEuropean red mite (Panonychus ulmi)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCitrus red mite (Panonychus citri)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther common greenhouse spider mites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlat mites \/ False spider mites (Tenuipalpidae species)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBroad mites (Polyphagotarsonemus latus)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRusset mites (Aculops lycopersici)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor dedicated broad mite and russet mite control, we recommend using a specialist predator such as Anso-Mite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose Neoseiulus californicus?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike some specialist predators that require large populations of spider mites to survive, Neoseiulus californicus can persist within the crop even when pest numbers are low. This makes it an excellent preventative biological control agent and a valuable addition to any IPM strategy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus generally tolerates lower humidity levels, higher temperatures and periods of reduced prey availability. This makes it particularly useful for growers seeking long-term spider mite suppression rather than simply reacting to outbreaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Spical PLUS Works\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe predatory mites reproduce within the paper release system before gradually dispersing throughout the crop canopy. Once established, they actively seek out prey and consume pest mites by piercing them with specialised mouthparts and feeding on their contents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeeds on eggs, larvae, nymphs and adult mites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTypically consumes 5-15 prey items per day under ideal conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides continuous predator release over several weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstablishes within the crop for ongoing protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eApplication Guidelines\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBegin releases preventatively or at the first signs of spider mites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHang units within the crop canopy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid direct sunlight and heating pipes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHandle carefully using the cardboard hanger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not open the release unit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncrease application rates for dense crops or severe infestations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFast-growing crops may benefit from more frequent releases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Working Conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"background-color: #4a8f45; color: #ffffff;\"\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"\u003eParameter\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px; text-align: left;\"\u003eRecommendation\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003e13°C - 32°C (55°F - 90°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eHumidity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eBest above 60% RH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003ePeak Reproduction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 8px;\"\u003eApproximately 30°C (86°F)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatibility With Other Beneficial Insects\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with Phytoseiulus persimilis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatible with Feltiella acarisuga\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAllow oils and soaps to fully dry before release\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid broad-spectrum pesticides where possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpical PLUS vs Phytoseiulus persimilis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany growers ask whether they should choose Spical PLUS or Phytoseiulus persimilis. The answer is often both.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhytoseiulus persimilis\u003c\/strong\u003e is the more aggressive hunter and is often the fastest option for tackling active spider mite outbreaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeoseiulus californicus\u003c\/strong\u003e is generally the tougher predator. It tolerates a wider range of temperatures and humidity levels, survives longer when prey populations decline, and provides superior long-term preventative protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor established infestations, we recommend introducing \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/spider-mite-predators\"\u003ePhytoseiulus persimilis Spider Mite Predators\u003c\/a\u003e alongside Spical PLUS to achieve rapid knockdown followed by long-term suppression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMore Spider Mite Control Solutions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking for additional biological controls? Browse our full range of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/collections\/spider-mite-control\"\u003eSpider Mite Control products here\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CALIFORNILINE","offers":[{"title":"Spical Plus 10000 (100 satchets - 100 Mites in each)","offer_id":56607881462133,"sku":"4989","price":81.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Spical 25000 (25000 Mites in a 500ml Bottle)","offer_id":56607881494901,"sku":"4990","price":108.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0561\/9092\/7032\/files\/pest-diseases-californicus-spider-mite-predators-1216638191.webp?v=1780156203","url":"https:\/\/www.thehydrobros.com\/products\/spider-mite-predators-spical-plus-neoseiulus-californicus","provider":"The Hydro Bros","version":"1.0","type":"link"}