Spidex: dos and don’ts in a nutshell

Spidex is a powerful natural enemy of the spider mite. At least, it can be. The result that you get largely depends on how you use Spidex. Take the following tips on board, and you can be assured of an optimal result.

• Keep an eye on things so that you can spot spider mite in your crop early on. Regular scouting is the most important aspect, and will help you to keep up and ensure that you use Spidex at just the right time.
• You should ideally use Spidex on the day that you receive it. If that’s not possible, make sure to store it in a cool and dark place. Do not store the product for longer than three days!
• Do you know how to use Spidex in your crop? You can see the instructions on YouTube. Turn and shake the packaging before use.
• When spreading Spidex, follow a draughts board pattern to make sure that you catch all spider mites.
• Add extra predatory mites in infestation hotspots.
• If there are multiple hotspots, full-field spreading is a good idea.

• Do not wait too long before use. If you do, the pest will gain an advantage and the predatory mites will have difficulty catching up.
• Don’t use too few predatory mites. If you need to intensify the population over time, it will cost more money in the long run.
• Don’t store the product for too long after receiving it, and don’t store it in the wrong conditions.
• Use only corrective products that are integrated – check with your consultant or in the side effects list.
• Please note that you can spread both spider mite and predatory mite via your clothing. If spider mite gets on your clothing in an infestation hotspot and you then walk extensively through the crop, you are naturally going to introduce considerable risks.