The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, initially occurs in clumps or “hot spots” in commercial greenhouses. Growers concerned about mite damage are often advised to focus on “hot spots” either with chemicals or natural enemies. However, many growers spread natural enemies evenly around the greenhouse. We investigated the impact of spider mite distribution among plants on the effectiveness of two release strategies of the predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis for biological control. The experimental unit consisted of 16 impatiens plants arranged in a square. Each unit started with the same numbers of spider mites; predators were released at a 1:4 predator:prey ratio. The experiment was designed as a 2 x 2 factorial; spider mites were established either in an even or clumped distribution and predators were released either in an even or clumped. Predators reduced spider mite populations to 0 in less than 9 days except in the clumped (pest) x even (predator) treatment, but even in that case the number of mites was totally controlled after 18 days. However, significant damage was either not controlled or not reduced except when both the pest and predator were evenly distributed. Releasing predators in different patterns demonstrated that they have the ability to spread and control the spider mite. For that reason, growers may only need to release predator in “hot spots,” at least early in spider mite infestations.