February 2011. A member thought that the coconut mites (Aceria guerreronis), an eriophyid mite, was present in Sarawak, Borneo, and asked for methods of control.

Information was also given on its distribution in Asia. It is said to be present in Maldives, too.

Several methods were considered:

• Abamectin: it has relative low toxicity and a very short half-life, degrading in full sunlight.
• Fires: spraying is difficult in tall coconut. In Pakistan, fires are lit under the palms, producing a lot of smoke, and it was said that the smoke is effective in reducing mite populations.
• Azadiractin will be tried on 50 palms to determine its affect.