Persea mite is an important avocado pest in California. Feeding occurs primarily on leaf undersides and can create circular yellowish spots that turn brown, often with dense silvery webbing around colonies.
Why it matters
Heavy populations can cause premature leaf drop. Loss of canopy exposes fruit and branches to sunburn and can stress the tree.
Check before treating
Persea mite can be confused with other mites and leaf disorders. Use magnification, inspect leaf undersides and look at the pattern of damage and webbing.
Reference
See UC IPM: Persea Mite.
Protecting an established avocado?
We can inspect mite pressure, irrigation and overall tree stress together and recommend an organic-first IPM plan.