Miticide

A miticide, also called an acaricide, is a pesticide designed to kill mites. It is used to control mite pests in agriculture, horticulture, stored products, and veterinary contexts. Common targets include two-spotted spider mites, rust mites, and other pest mites that damage crops, ornamentals, or stored grains, as well as mites that affect livestock or honeybees. Miticides are applied as sprays, drenches, or systemic formulations depending on the crop and pest.

Chemicals used as miticides belong to several classes, each with different modes of action. Some disrupt nerve function (neurotoxins), others interfere with respiration or reproduction, and some are growth regulators. Historically important groups include organophosphates and carbamates; pyrethroids are also used. More recent miticides include macrocyclic lactones such as abamectin and various specialized products like bifenazate, hexythiazox, and spiromesifen, which are formulated for mites.

Biological and cultural approaches are increasingly integrated with chemical controls. Predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius spp. prey on pest mites. Entomopathogenic fungi, notably Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae, can suppress mite populations under suitable conditions. Cultural measures include sanitation, quarantine, resistant varieties, and selective irrigation to reduce mite outbreaks.

Resistance management is a concern with miticides. Overuse or repeated use of the same mode of action can lead to resistant mite populations. Integrated pest management emphasizes rotating products with different modes of action, using non-chemical controls when possible, and adhering to label rates and preharvest intervals to minimize residues and non-target effects.

Safety and regulation: Miticides are regulated products that require proper handling, application according to label directions, and consideration of non-target species such as pollinators and natural enemies. Environmental persistence and potential toxicity to aquatic systems or wildlife are considerations in selecting and timing miticide applications.