Mites are significant pests in a range of agricultural crops. Most growers are familiar with the spider mites of the Tetranychidae family, such as Two-Spotted Mite (Tetranychus urticae) which are generally easy to see with the naked eye.

Mites from the Eriophyidae and Tarsonemidae families cannot be seen with the naked eye and several species are important pests in tree crops, vineyards, ornamentals, nurseries, and other horticultural crops.

Eriophyid mites are usually associated with tree and vine crops. There are many types of eriophyid mites active in Australian agricultural ecosystems including Grapevine Rust Mite (Calepitrimerus vitis), Grapevine Bud or Blister Mite (Colomerus vitis), Citrus Rust Mites and the Tomato Russet Mite (Aculops lycopersici) which can also attack greenhouse eggplants.

Tarsonemid mites attack a range of ornamental plants and some horticulture crops including capsicums, cucumbers and strawberries. Tarsonemid mites prefer the new leaves, stems and flowers, but some can affect the older plant tissue. Broad Mite (Polyphagotarsonemus latus) is a notorious pest of many ornamental plants and greenhouse crops and is often spread by whiteflies. The Cyclamen Mite (Phytonemus pallidus) is a pest of ornamental crops and strawberries.