Hypoaspis miles | Stratiolaelaps scimitus | Soil-Dwelling Predatory Mite

Fungus Gnat & Soil Pest Control, Below the Surface Most predatory mites work above the soil — Hypoaspis miles works below it. These native, soil-dwelling predatory mites go after the underground pest populations that surface treatments miss entirely: fungus gnat larvae cycling through your growing medium, thrips pupating in the soil, root mealybugs undermining plants from below. Adaptable across a wide range of growing environments, they're a low-maintenance, high-impact addition to any soil pest management program. Tip: Hypoaspis miles are light-shy and hard to spot under normal conditions. Turn off the lights for 5–10 minutes, place a small spoonful on white paper, and check with 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, they 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 thrive across a wide range of environments, from commercial greenhouses to container systems and garden beds. What Pests do Hypoaspis Mites Target? Targets fungus gnats (larvae), thrips (pupae), shore flies, root mealybugs, springtails, bulb mites, poultry mites, snake mites, and many other soil-dwelling pest species. How It Works Females lay up to 60 eggs directly in the soil, targeting pest hot spots. Eggs hatch into larvae within 1–2 days, then mature through development stages over 5–7 days. Fully developed adults continue hunting for 3–6 weeks, with a full egg-to-adult life cycle of approximately 14 days. This rapid reproduction and short life cycle lets populations establish quickly and scale in response to pest pressure. When to Use Hypoaspis Mites Because they establish and reproduce directly in the soil, Hypoaspis miles work well both as an ongoing preventive layer and as a response to an active soil-pest problem. They're a fit across vegetable crops, hemp, soft fruit, and ornamentals, and across growing environments from greenhouses and indoor facilities to field crops and garden beds. Application Rates These are general starting points — actual application should be adjusted based on pest species, plant type, and infestation severity. Monitor pest and predator populations regularly to gauge how well the program is working. Application Rate Frequency  Small Area 10-30 mites per sq. ft. Weekly or bi-weekly Large Area 25 mites per sq. ft. Weekly or bi-weekly   Temperature & Humidity Range Effective range: 50°F – 96°F Application Instructions Release early morning, evening, or when grow lights are off Lightly mist the growing medium or soil surface before introducing. Sprinkle bottle contents directly onto the soil surface around infested plants. Leave the open container in place for 72 hours so remaining mites can disperse. Reapply every one to two weeks until the infestation is under control. Pairing for Full-Spectrum Mite Control 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. Safe, Sustainable Pest Management 100% natural — no chemical residue Safe around people and pets Safe for use on edible crops Fits seamlessly into existing IPM programs Requires no protective equipment Storage For best results, release immediately upon arrival. If short-term storage is unavoidable, keep at 45–55°F for no more than 24 hours, out of direct sunlight. Never freeze.