<p><i>Frankliniella occidentalis</i> Pergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), commonly known as western flower thrips, is a widespread invasive insect pest capable of feeding on a vast range of plant species and transmitting various plant viruses. Generalist phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) are frequently used as natural enemies in the biological control of this pest worldwide. Despite the rich Brazilian phytoseiid fauna, no species have been utilized in the biological control of <i>F. occidentalis</i> in Brazil. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the potential of two native phytoseiid predatory mites, <i>Amblyseius tamatavensis</i> Blommers and <i>Amblyseius herbicolus</i> Chant, to control this important agricultural pest. The study evaluates the predation and oviposition of both predatory mite species on first and second instar larvae of <i>F. occidentalis</i>. Survival and development time of <i>A. herbicolus</i> and <i>A. tamatavensis</i> fed with <i>F. occidentalis</i> first instar larvae were also assessed. Finally, a population dynamics experiment was conducted on isolated bell pepper plants to determine the capacity of these predators to reduce pest populations on bell pepper plants. The results showed that both predatory mite species can prey on larvae of <i>F.</i> occidentalis and reproduce feeding on this prey. The presence of the predators also leads to a reduction in populations of this pest on plants. At the end of the study, thrips populations were, on average, 83% lower on plants with predators than on control plants. Therefore, both <i>Amblyseius tamatavensis</i> and <i>Amblyseius herbicolus</i> have the potential to be used in applied biological control of <i>F.</i> occidentalis.</p>