Predatory Mites for Your Garden

Some species of mites (especially spider mites) can be destructive to plants in both the yard and garden, causing everything from flecking to discoloration, scorching, leaf loss, and even plant death. But not all mites are bad for your garden. Predatory mites will happily eat spider mites, as well as thrips, fungus gnats, and the eggs and larvae of all three. These beneficial bugs are tiny and teardrop-shaped, colored brown, tan, or orange-red — and unlike spider mites, can move both backwards and forwards. Considered one of the most successful commercially available biological control agents, predatory mites can often be purchased at home and garden stores or through mail order. Check out our whole store section on gardening insects!