Combining multiple natural enemies can reduce pest suppression if intraguild predation occurs, or have neutral effects when enemy species do not compete. When properly selected, however, multiple natural enemies can enhance control through complementarity—for example, by attacking different pest life stages or occupying distinct niches in separate habitats. This study evaluates such complementarity by combining predatory mites and insects to improve control of an acarid mite pest in greenhouse spinach and a thrips pest in avocado trees. The acarid pest examined is the spinach crown mite (Tyrophagus similis) commonly inhabiting soils rich in organic matter but capable of moving above ground to damage new spinach crown growth. The soil-dwelling predatory mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus was combined with foliage-inhabiting predatory mite Neoseiulus cucumeris to test habitat-based complementarity between the two species. The greenhouse thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis) is a major pest of avocado trees in New Zealand. The predatory mite Amblydromalus limonicus,though the dominant predator associated with this thrips, has not been reported as its natural enemy. Despite its smaller size compared to the thrips, we hypothesized that it could target early instar nymphs. We combined it with larger green lacewing larvae (Mallada basalis) to test life stage targeting and complementarity between the two predators. We conducted laboratory predation experiments and population-level greenhouse trials to assess the impact of single versus combined predator releases on pest suppression. Spinach experiments strongly supported habitat partitioning in complementarity between these two predatory mites: N. cucumeris reduced aboveground T. similis, whereas S. scimitus attacked this pest in the rhizosphere; combined releases achieved the most effective cross-zone control. In avocado trials, A. limonicus suppressed mainly first-instar greenhouse thrips, while green lacewing larvae attacked all stages. Control was weak with mites alone, but lacewing-only and combined treatments strongly reduced thrips populations, with combined releases most consistent. Thrips eggs in leaf tissue and density- dependent defensive secretions by second instars limited predation, allowing rebounds when predators declined. Repeated combined releases may be needed for sustained control.