Pest identification
What's eating my bacon avocado?
Persea mite (Oligonychus perseae)
Signs: Circular brown feeding spots on upper leaf surface; mass defoliation in summer heat; reduced photosynthesis and fruit size
Control: Release predatory mites (Galendromus occidentalis); horticultural oil in spring before populations peak; keep foliage clean of dust
Avocado thrips (Scirtothrips perseae)
Signs: Russet scarring on fruit near the stem cavity; particularly visible on Bacon's green skin; cosmetic downgrade at market
Control: Spinosad at fruit set; blue sticky traps; avoid pyrethroid sprays that disrupt beneficials
Deer (Odocoileus hemionus / O. virginianus)
Signs: Browse on leaves and soft shoots; bark rubbing by bucks damages young trunks; young trees can be killed
Control: Deer-proof fencing (8 ft minimum); trunk guards on young trees; repellent sprays (needs reapplication after rain)
Keep bacon avocado pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Bacon Avocado pests — FAQ
What is eating my bacon avocado?
Bacon Avocado, a cold-hardy California cultivar, faces persea mite as its primary pest, along with avocado thrips that scar the thin green skin. Shot-hole borer is an escalating threat. Phytophthora root rot in poorly drained soils is frequently the biggest killer. Deer browse readily on low foliage and young shoots.
How do I get rid of persea mite (oligonychus perseae) on bacon avocado?
Circular brown feeding spots on upper leaf surface; mass defoliation in summer heat; reduced photosynthesis and fruit size Release predatory mites (Galendromus occidentalis); horticultural oil in spring before populations peak; keep foliage clean of dust
How do I get rid of avocado thrips (scirtothrips perseae) on bacon avocado?
Russet scarring on fruit near the stem cavity; particularly visible on Bacon's green skin; cosmetic downgrade at market Spinosad at fruit set; blue sticky traps; avoid pyrethroid sprays that disrupt beneficials
How do I get rid of deer (odocoileus hemionus / o. virginianus) on bacon avocado?
Browse on leaves and soft shoots; bark rubbing by bucks damages young trunks; young trees can be killed Deer-proof fencing (8 ft minimum); trunk guards on young trees; repellent sprays (needs reapplication after rain)