Acaricide: Definition and What it is

What is Acaricide?

An acaricide is a type of pesticide used to control mites and ticks, which are arachnids rather than insects. Acaricides are essential for managing tick populations that can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other tick-borne illnesses.

Acaricides work by targeting the nervous system of mites and ticks. They are commonly used in pest control, agriculture, and veterinary medicine. Some acaricides are selective and only affect mites and ticks, while others are broad-spectrum and can affect other arthropods.

Related Services and Resources

Related Terms

• Insecticide: Definition and What it is
• Ticks: Definition and What they are

References

• PestWorld.org - Official NPMA Consumer Education Site
• EPA - Safe Pest Control and Pesticide Safety
• EPA - Pest Control Resources for Residents
• NPMA - National Pest Management Association