Written By David Haviland, Kern County UCCE Entomology Advisor For more than a decade abamectin has played a key role in mite management programs in California almonds.  When applied properly, early-season abamectin treatments typically provide good mite control through hull split, and in some cases throughout the season.  Unfortunately, recent reductions in the cost of abamectin have led to unnecessary use, and sometimes abuse, of abamectin-based products.  This has led to more and more cases of unsatisfactory mite control at a time when mite management has taken an elevated importance due to increased adoption of pyrethroids for control of navel orangeworm.  This article covers several considerations that should be made while using abamectin to insure that it works effectively and consistently.