Sciarid Fly Larvae

ROBUScontrol (Macrocheles robustulus) – Fast-Moving Compost Mites for Fungus Gnat and Shorefly Larvae

Fungus gnats and shoreflies can quietly undermine a crop from below – disrupting roots, reducing vigour, and opening the door to disease. When larvae are already present in the compost, ROBUScontrol brings in an aggressive, soil-active predator that’s built for the job.

Each tube contains thousands of Macrocheles robustulus – a fast-moving predatory mite that targets sciarid and shorefly larvae where they live: in the growing media. These mites don’t wait around. They quickly get to work, hunting through the compost and feeding directly on pest stages before they mature.

ROBUScontrol is especially well suited to propagation units, container-grown crops, and greenhouse production areas where moisture and organic matter attract pests below the surface. It’s best used curatively when infestations are visible, or as a booster to other soil-level biologicals already in place.

Because they operate entirely in the root zone, these mites pose no disruption to crop activity above ground and can be combined with foliar beneficials as part of a full IPM approach.

Best suited to:

• Growers seeing visible signs of sciarid or shorefly larvae in compost
• Propagation zones, plug trays, or pots where outbreaks can quickly escalate
• Crops where soil drenches or sprays aren’t reaching the problem
• IPM programmes looking to reinforce compost-level control

How to apply:

Apply up to 500 mites per square metre, depending on pest pressure. Scatter evenly across moist compost and avoid immediate overhead irrigation. These mites prefer humid, shaded conditions – ideally above 15°C.

Delivery note:

ROBUScontrol is a live, temperature-sensitive product. To ensure optimal viability, please place orders by 5pm Wednesday for delivery the following week.

HYPOcontrol miles (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) – Soil-Dwelling Predators for Fungus Gnat Larvae

When young plants start flagging and you’ve ruled out the obvious, it’s time to think below the surface. Fungus gnat (sciarid) larvae are a hidden problem in many propagation areas – chewing roots, damaging stems, and opening the door to disease. HYPOcontrol miles gives you a natural, no-fuss way to clear them out.

Each tube contains thousands of Stratiolaelaps scimitus – tiny soil-dwelling mites that hunt through the compost in search of larvae and eggs. They live in the root zone, where the pests are, and feed on a range of soft-bodied stages, including fungus gnat larvae and other small soil pests.

These predators are well suited to propagation, plug trays, container crops, and any covered system where moisture stays high and soil pests are hard to reach. Once introduced, they get straight to work – and because they live in the substrate, they offer steady, long-term protection without affecting your crop schedule.

Best for use in:

• Propagation benches, plug trays, and pots prone to sciarid outbreaks
• Environments where foliar sprays can’t reach root zone pests
• Growers using peat-free or organic substrates vulnerable to fungus gnats
• IPM programmes focused on biological soil pest suppression

How to apply:

Apply 100–200 mites per square metre for routine protection, or up to 500 per m² where larvae are already causing damage. Distribute directly onto damp compost and avoid overhead watering immediately after release.

Delivery note:

This is a live product. To ensure fresh arrival, place orders by 5pm Wednesday for delivery the following week.

HYPOcontrol miles (Stratiolaelaps scimitus) – Soil-Dwelling Predators for Fungus Gnat Larvae

When young plants start flagging and you’ve ruled out the obvious, it’s time to think below the surface. Fungus gnat (sciarid) larvae are a hidden problem in many propagation areas – chewing roots, damaging stems, and opening the door to disease. HYPOcontrol miles gives you a natural, no-fuss way to clear them out.

Each tube contains thousands of Stratiolaelaps scimitus – tiny soil-dwelling mites that hunt through the compost in search of larvae and eggs. They live in the root zone, where the pests are, and feed on a range of soft-bodied stages, including fungus gnat larvae and other small soil pests.

These predators are well suited to propagation, plug trays, container crops, and any covered system where moisture stays high and soil pests are hard to reach. Once introduced, they get straight to work – and because they live in the substrate, they offer steady, long-term protection without affecting your crop schedule.

Best for use in:

• Propagation benches, plug trays, and pots prone to sciarid outbreaks
• Environments where foliar sprays can’t reach root zone pests
• Growers using peat-free or organic substrates vulnerable to fungus gnats
• IPM programmes focused on biological soil pest suppression

How to apply:

Apply 100–200 mites per square metre for routine protection, or up to 500 per m² where larvae are already causing damage. Distribute directly onto damp compost and avoid overhead watering immediately after release.

Delivery note:

This is a live product. To ensure fresh arrival, place orders by 5pm Wednesday for delivery the following week.