acaricides

An acaricide is any substance used to kill mites and ticks (acarids). They are applied in agriculture to protect crops from mite pests and in stored-product protection, in veterinary medicine to treat mite infestations in pets and livestock, and in beekeeping to manage Varroa destructor. Acaricides can act on contact, be absorbed into the organism, or act systemically, and choices depend on the target species, mite life stage, and environmental considerations.

Chemical acaricides are typically grouped by mode of action. Organophosphates and carbamates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to nerve dysfunction. Pyrethroids affect voltage-gated sodium channels, causing paralysis. Formamidines, such as amitraz, act on octopamine receptors in mites. Other families include spinosyns and newer synthetic chemistries, as well as microbial products such as Beauveria bassiana and mineral oils or sulfur-based products that suffocate or disrupt the mite. Non-chemical approaches, including biological control and physical methods, are often used as part of integrated pest management (IPM).

Resistance to acaricides can develop with repeated use, reducing efficacy. Strategies to delay resistance include rotating products with different modes of action, adhering to label instructions, and combining chemical control with non-chemical methods.

Safety and environmental concerns accompany acaricide use. Many products pose risks to non-target organisms, including beneficial mites, pollinators, aquatic life, and humans. Regulatory agencies require product registration, safety labeling, and usage restrictions to manage these risks.