The best time
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Months
EGGS
NYMPHS
ADULTS
EGGS
NYMPHS
ADULTS
EGGS
NYMPHS
ADULTS
GARDEN SYMPHYLAN
of year to sample for symphylans is during March
and April and in the fall during September and
October. The treatment threshold in most crops is
when an average of four or five symphylans is found
per sample. A mite predator, Pergamasus
quisquiliarum, occurs in some soils in some growing
areas. This predator may consume up to 12
symphylans during one generation, indicating that it
could be an important factor in regulating symphylan
populations. Thoroughly tilling the soil in the spring
before planting provides some control. Soil
fumigation and preplant treatment with registered
insecticides controls symphylans in most crops, but
careful timing and soil preparation is critical for
success