Recent mite invasions in US

International trade and tourism greatly impact US agriculture because of the propensity of foreign products and people to transport exotic invasive mites into the country. Once established, an invasive mite could cause millions of dollars in lost agricultural revenue and irreparable environmental damage as well as the substantial costs associated with mitigation efforts. South Florida is particularly vulnerable to invasive pests because of the high volume of agricultural imports entering this area and its proximity to the Caribbean. By investigating the impact of a new pest in the Caribbean a better assessment can be made of whether or not it will likely become a serious economic or environmental pest and methods can be developed to better detect and mitigate the impact of the pest. However, an extensive collaborative effort between researchers and regulators at an international level is needed to develop an effective monitoring, management and regulatory response. The off-shore training and research efforts coupled with on-shore outreach and survey programs for the red palm mite (Raoiella indica, Tenuipalpidae), a pest of coconuts and ornamental palms that recently swept through the Caribbean into South and continental North America, serves as a example of how cooperative programs can help prepare the U.S. for likely invasion of a mite pest.