Stratiolaelaps scimitus

It took years of research to find the ideal predator mite.

The predator mite
had to be absolutely safe for birds and humans,
had to be endemic (to not introduce new species into the environment),
had to feed preferably on Dermanyssus gallinae,
had to be adjusted to poultry house climates, and
had to be self-limiting when the food source was gone.
Stratiolaelaps scimitus, formerly known as Hypoaspis miles, was the ideal candidate for AVX Predator mites. Kown
also in horticulture, Stratiolaelaps scimitus is a predator that feeds on various kinds of mites, fungus gnat larvae,
thrips larvae and soil mealybugs and is harmless to people and birds. Alternate predator non blood feeding species is
H. Aculeifer.
AVX Predator Mites are the natural enemy of the common red mite, adept hunters moving fast over surfaces to kill
and devour their prey. Each predator mite is capable of consuming up to 5 red mites per day. The complete life-cycle
of Predator mite takes approximately 7 to 11 days, depending on the room temperature. Young predator mite are as
ravenous and aggressive towards red mite as adults, but throughout the life cycle the predator mite are totally
harmless to both poultry and humans.
AVX Predator mites will not develop into a pest themselves. Once they have all but eradicated the red mite, their
population will fluctuate with their prey. When the primary food source (the red mite) is eradicated, the predator mite
will starve, too.
During the life span, a female lays over 50 eggs. When the food source is gone, the predator will die off. Optimum
temperature range for predator mites is 20 30C, and humidity should best range from 50% to 75%.
http://avianvaccinexperts.com/index.php/hypoaspis-miles/avx-predator-mites