Miticidal

Miticidal is an adjective describing substances or methods that kill mites or suppress their populations. In practice, it is most often used to refer to acaricides, chemical or biological agents designed to kill mites. Miticides are used across agriculture, horticulture, beekeeping, veterinary medicine, and human medicine to control mite infestations such as spider mites on crops, Varroa destructor on honey bees, and Sarcoptes or Demodex mites in humans and animals.

Miticides can be chemical, such as pyrethroids, organophosphates, miticides like amitraz, or newer compounds, as well as biological agents like predatory mites or entomopathogenic fungi. Some products act as contact killers, while others disrupt mite development or reproduction. In beekeeping, specific miticides are employed to control Varroa mites, often with resistance management considerations.

Safety and environmental concerns accompany miticidal use. Overuse or improper application can harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, and can select for resistant mite populations. Therefore, resistance management and integrated pest management approaches advocate rotating active ingredients, combining chemical and non-chemical controls, and applying treatments only when necessary.

Regulatory oversight of miticides varies by country and context, with restrictions on use in certain crops, livestock, or beekeeping operations. Users are advised to follow product labels and local guidelines to minimize ecological impact and protect human and animal health.