September 2008. Confirmation was requested by Cook Islands for a preliminary identification of the greenhouse thrips, Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis (Bouch??). The thrips are from avocado showing distinctive features of a greenhouse thrips infestation, including small droplets of a red – blackish fluid voided by the pest.

Later, Cook Islands mentioned that as this is a new pest record for the coutry, specimens will be sent for taxonomuc verification. To date, only one avocado tree is affected. The tree and surrounding area has been sprayed twice with imidacloprid one week apart. The treatment appears to be effective, but the situation will be monitored.

The identification was confirmed by several members, via PestNet and directly to Cook Islands.

It was also suggested that macadamia and citrus trees should be inspected, as these are hosts, too.