FGMN Nursery
Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspsis miles)
Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspsis miles)
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Done With Fungus Gnats? Sick of Snake Mites? This Fixes Both.
Sticky traps and surface sprays won’t stop what’s happening under the surface.
Stratiolaelaps scimitus is a soil-dwelling predatory mite that hunts pests where they live—not where you wish they were. It targets the larval stages of fungus gnats, thrips pupae, and root aphids in soil and substrate, and it’s one of the few biological predators proven to work against snake mites in reptile enclosures.
No sprays. No residue. Just microscopic hunters doing their job.
Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Live Bottled Mites)
Biological Control for Fungus Gnats, Snake Mites, and Root-Zone Pests
These fast-moving mites burrow into soil or bedding and track pests at the source. Once they find them, they feed, reproduce, and keep going. All they need is moisture, moderate temperatures, and a reason to stay.
What It Treats Best
| Pest | Stage Targeted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fungus gnats | Larvae in soil | Ideal for grow tents and container plants |
| Snake mites | Adults and eggs in bedding | For reptile enclosures only |
| Thrips | Pupae in substrate | Complements foliar mites like Cucumeris or Swirskii |
| Root aphids | Soil-dwelling forms | Use as part of a multi-layer IPM |
| Soil mites | Opportunistic control | Reduces pest mite populations in living soil |
| Poultry mites | In bedding | Used in some aviary and coop setups |
Why Use This for Fungus Gnats and Snake Mites?
| Feature | What That Means |
|---|---|
| Goes underground | Hunts fungus gnat larvae in soil where sprays can’t reach |
| Tracks in substrate | Moves through bedding to find snake mites in reptile setups |
| Reproduces on-site | Lays eggs, builds population naturally |
| Zero residue | No harm to pets, reptiles, or beneficials |
| Multi-stage suppression | Targets pests at egg, larva, and adult phases |
| Quiet but effective | You won’t see them—but you’ll know they’re working |
Best Used For
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Houseplant growers dealing with stubborn fungus gnats
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Reptile keepers trying to treat snake mites naturally
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Grow tents, greenhouses, raised beds with root-zone pests
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Organic or no-spray growers using living soil
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Early-stage pest prevention in propagation zones
How to Apply
| Environment | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Soil/grow media | Sprinkle mites across the top layer after watering |
| Reptile enclosures | Apply directly to bedding (avoid direct contact with snakes) |
| Greenhouses or raised beds | Release evenly across infested zones |
| Coops or aviaries | Dust into dry bedding, away from direct heat or sunlight |
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Keep substrate moist—not wet—for 2 weeks after application
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Do not spray pesticides before or after release
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Repeat as needed in high-pressure zones
How Many to Use
| Pressure | Rate |
|---|---|
| Light or preventative | 10 mites per sq ft |
| Moderate infestations | 20 mites per sq ft |
| Severe or animal bedding use | 30+ mites per sq ft |
Reapply every 2–4 weeks as needed for sustained suppression.
How They Work
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Female mites lay up to 60 eggs in substrate
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Eggs hatch in 1–2 days
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Larvae hunt and feed, becoming adults within a week
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Adults live 3–6 weeks and continue patrolling
This creates layered, ongoing control as long as conditions remain favorable.
Storage & Shipping
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Ships with live delivery guarantee
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Use immediately upon arrival
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If needed, store at 45–55°F for up to 48 hours
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Do not freeze or expose to extreme heat
