How to Manage Pests

Persea mite—Oligonychus perseae

Adult mites have eight legs and an oval body, with two red eyespots near the head end of the body. They lack antennae and body segmentation. They usually have numerous bristles covering the legs and body.

Damage

Persea mites cause spots to form on fruit and leaves. Leaf spots can be accompanied by webbed colonies of mites.

Solutions

In the home garden, some mites can be tolerated. However, if numbers get too high, treat carefully with insecticidal oil and water. Be sure the spray gets on the undersides of leaves, where mites are located. Water alone applied with a high-pressure hose or sprayer will often control persea mite. Avoid fertilizing trees as this can promote mite populations. Mites also have several natural enemies, which often limit populations. Releases of predatory mites, Galendromus spp., have been successful in commercial orchards.

For more information, see the Spider Mites Pest Note.