‘Predator’ Mites Released in Grove

More than 20,000 “predator” mites were released Wednesday in a Somis avocado grove to wage war on a crop-destroying mite that has migrated to Ventura County after causing extensive damage in San Diego.

The laboratory-bred predator mite is believed to be the best weapon against the voracious avocado mite, which threatens the county’s $30-million-a-year avocado business, agriculture officials said.

Between 15 and 20 trees in the Somis grove have been infested by the avocado mite, which kills the avocado trees’ leaves and exposes its fruit to sunburn, said Dave Machlitt, a pest control consultant.

Machlitt, who discovered the infestation, was hired by the owner of the Somis grove to release the predator mites.

The Galendromus helveolus mite is a natural enemy of the Olygonichus perseae mite and has been effective in reducing the population of the avocado-attacking pest in Riverside and San Diego counties, officials said.

Machlitt said, however, it is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire the predator mites because they are in such high demand. They are also expensive, generally running about $15 for 1,000 mites, with growers advised to release 5,000 to 10,000 per acre.

Machlitt is scheduled to speak at a meeting today of growers and agriculture officials. The meeting at the Ventura County Government Center begins at 8:30 a.m., with Machlitt scheduled to speak after 11 a.m.