Predatory Mite Shipping Concerns: Heat Survival During Overnight Delivery

Will Beneficial Mites Survive Hot Weather Shipping?

A gardener in Washington DC ordered predatory mites for spider mite control and worries about heat during overnight shipping.

Expert Advice

• Contact the retailer directly; ask about their shipping guarantees and temperature‑control measures.
• Beneficial mites are delicate: extreme heat, cold, or even UV light can kill them.
• Reputable suppliers often use insulated packaging with cold packs in summer.

Bottom Line

Don’t assume they’ll survive; verify with the seller. The responder applauds the biological control approach but stresses the importance of supplier communication.