Neoseiulus californicus

Diligence and PATIENCE is key

I was having issues with my Hoya collection not producing any new growth for months. I finally purchased a microscope and found 10 plants covered in spider mites. Last year I dealt with aphids chemically and did not want to repeat that nightmare so I decided to try beneficials. FGMN has been incredible with their customer service. They answered all of my questions, studied my scope photos, guided me through the process and honestly, treated me like a friend in crisis when my frustration nearly got the best of me. Beneficials have always arrived active and ready to do battle, and I'm happy to report I'm finally seeing new growth on all of my Hoya. A PSA for those who've not used beneficials before: it takes time and a good deal of patience when working with them. The best thing you can do is just apply and then leave them to do their business. It took weeks before I saw any improvement, but it was better than dealing with chemicals and spraying each plant from top to bottom over and over again; I'm done with that. This is the way to go for me from now on, and this is the only company I'll use.

Took a couple of weeks but my plants are looking healthy again. Thanks for the advice about which predator to get. Already recommended to a friend!

Help came too late?

I can’t write a good review. I can’t write a bad review. I was battling spider mites and I purchased some predatory mites to fight them. However, maybe I bought too little and it was too late. I seemed to still be inundated with The spider mites. Definitely will have to try a biological again in the future as it seems like the better alternative to poison.