Spidex - The Spider Mite Specialist
Oct 21, 2025
All five products use the same beneficial mite: Phytoseiulus persimilis, a Type I specialist predator. The difference between each product formulation is how the predatory mites release.
Brand-level distinction:
Spidex is ideal for aggressive spider‑mite control in humid environments, especially when webbing is present. Phytoseiulus persimilis is most effective at temperatures between 55 and 81°F and not effective above 86°F. For hot, dry environments, Spical should be used instead. Phytoseiulus persimilis is sensitive to relative humidity below 70%.(Actual humidity can be measuered at the canopy/plant surface, often giving a higher humidity reading than ambient measurements.) Spidex is great in combination with Spical if experiencing a high pressure problem or in need of broader coverage for control of multiple species of problem mites.
Predator behavior & action:
Predators crawl along plant surfaces. Feeds exclusively on spider mites. Rapid consumption and reproduction in presence of active prey.
Prey controlled:
Two-spotted spider mites
Other Tetranychus species
Spidex Vital (bottle) — Fast release for active spider mites
What makes it different: Spidex Vital bottles contain a formulation designed for immediate dispersal of Phytoseiulus persimilis mites. Unlike sachets, which release mites gradually over time, bottle application delivers a concentrated dose directly onto areas with webbing and/or spider mites present—ideal for rapid knockdown. Spidex Vital bottles support quick walk-out and active searching behavior.
Best for: When spider mites are already present and you need control.
Why choose it: Immediate impact and flexible placement—perfect for growers who need fast, focused control without waiting for gradual release.
Spidex Vital Plus (sachets) — Preventative Coverage
What makes it different: Sachets release mites gradually over 4–6 weeks, allowing multiple generations to establish and maintain coverage. Spidex Vital Plus sachets are made with a paper material that is sensitive to humidity changes and will become damaged if directly sprayed with water.
Best for: Preventing spider mite problems in areas like greenhouses with consistent humidity and temperature.
Why choose it: Low-maintenance protection that builds a lasting population before mite problems appear.
Spidex Vital Boost (sachets) — Immediate surge for severe hotspots
What makes it different: Not a slow‑release sachet. Mites come out fast for an instant hit.
Best for: Severe clusters or webbing where you need quick reinforcement now.
Why choose it: Immediate surge—designed for fast reinforcement, different from gradual-release sachets. Spidex Boost offers a direct application solution for growers and is not a breeding sachet in which further generations emerge over time. Spidex Boost mites get on with their work as soon as the sachet is opened. Initially developed for use in Cannabis, the product has proved to be so effective that it is now applied in many other crops, such as tomato. In open crops or crops with small leaves where care needs to be taken to keep the carrier material off the plant, Spidex Boost is an ideal solution.
Spidex Vital Go (sachets) — Targeted slow release for hotspots
What makes it different: Sachets release gradually over a couple of weeks and are optimized for hotspot placement.
Best for: Persistent hotspots that flare between scouting rounds.
Why choose it: Predatory mites emerge gradually at low rates to focus in on problem areas, best used in combination with a broad coverage application such as the bottle form of Spidex.
Quick guide
Spider mites already spreading? → Spidex Vital (bottle)
Persistent hotspots? → Spidex Vital Go
Severe clusters/webbing? → Spidex Boost
Need prevention? → Spidex Vital Sachets
Spidex Quick Chart
| Pressure scenario | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites detected across crop; webbing forming; urgent knockdown needed | Spidex Vital(bottle) | Immediate release for curative action |
| Spider mites detected; want ongoing coverage after initial knockdown | Spidex Vital (bottle) + Spidex Vital GO or Spidex Vital PLUS (sachets) | Immediate action plus gradual release for sustained coverage |
| Recurring hotspots between scouting rounds | Spidex Vital GO (sachets) | Gradual release for hotspot coverage |
| No activity detected; want preventative coverage | Spidex Vital PLUS (sachets) | Gradual release, new generations emerge overtime for 4 - 6 weeks of preventative control |
| Severe clusters or webbing localized; immediate reinforcement required | Spidex Boost (sachets) | Immediate surge at placement points |
Quick Navigation back to our other top predatory mites:
Thripex — Thrips & Problem Mite Control for Cooler Environments - Natural Enemies
Swirski‑Mite - Thrips & Whitefly Control for Warm Environments - Natural Enemies
Spical - Versatile Defense Against Mites - Natural Enemies
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Curious why prevention matters in biological control—even before problems show up?
(This piece challenges the idea that action only starts when something goes wrong, and explains why & how proactive strategies are key to successful growing.)
