The present invention relates to a mite composition, the rearing thereof and methods for application of the composition in biological control systems. The invention provides a mite composition comprising:- a viable population of a phytoseiid predatory mite species selected from the group consisting of Amblyseius montdorensis (Schicha), Typlodromalus lailae (Schicha) and Amblyseius largoensis (Muma), preferably Amblyseius montdorensis,- a viable factitious host population comprising at least one astigmatid mite species,- an artificial rearing substrate which also acts as a carrier during distribution,- wherein the astigmatid mite is selected from the family of the Acaridae, such as Acarus siro, Linnaeus, 1758.The composition is used for application in commercial crops, especially tomatoes for pest control.
