Acaricidal activity of thymol on larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense (Acari: Ixodidae)

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acaricidal efficacy of thymol on unengorged and engorged larvae and engorged nymphs of Amblyomma cajennense. To perform the test for unengorged larvae, the larval packet technique was employed and mortality was evaluated 24h after the test, while for engorged larvae and engorged nymphs the immersion technique was employed and mortality was evaluated after 15 days. In all the experiments, the following concentrations of thymol were tested: 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0mg the thymol/ml. The control group was exposed to water and 1% DMSO and there were 10 repetitions for each treatment. The values found for mortality of unengorged larvae were 18.2%, 51.8%, 97.6%, 93.5% and 94.5%, and for engorged nymphs the values were 26.0%, 92.2%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 100.0%, in concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0 and 20.0mg of thymol/ml, respectively. In the test with engorged larvae, mortality was 100.0% in all treatments. Based on the results, it is possible to conclude that thymol has acaricidal activity against immature stages of A. cajennense.     

Apparent tick paralysis by Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in dogs

Certain tick species including Ixodes holocyclus can inoculate neurotoxins that induce a rapid, ascending flaccid paralysis in animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the most widespread tick of dogs, is recognized as a vector of several pathogens causing diseases in dogs and humans. A single report suggests its role as cause of paralysis in dogs. This study presents the clinical history of 14 young dogs heavily infested by R. sanguineus (intensity of infestation, 63-328) in an endemic area of southern Italy. During May to June of 2011, dogs were presented at the clinical examination with neurological signs of different degrees (e.g., hind limb ataxia, generalized lethargy, and difficulty in movements). All animals were treated with acaricides and by manual tick removal but ten of them died within a day, displaying neurological signs. The other 4 dogs recovered within 3 days with acaricidal and supportive treatment. Twelve dogs were positive by blood smear examination for Hepatozoon canis with a high parasitemia, two also for Babesia vogeli and two were negative for hemoparasites. Low-grade thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, and pancytopenia were the haematological alterations most frequently recorded. Other causes of neurological disease in dogs were excluded and the diagnosis of tick paralysis by R. sanguineus was confirmed (ex juvantibus) by early and complete recovery of 4 dogs following acaricidal treatment and tick removal.     

Acaricidal activity of an oleoresinous extract from Copaifera reticulata (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) against larvae of the southern cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The acaricidal activity of oleoresinous extract (oleoresin) from the copaiba tree, Copaifera reticulata was investigated. Oleoresin was dissolved with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and mixed with distilled water at a rate of 0.4 ml of DMSO to 24.6 ml water. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus larvae were exposed to filter paper envelopes impregnated with different oleoresin concentrations. Four envelopes were impregnated with each tested solution. Thirty larvae between 14 and 21 days old were fasted and placed in each envelope. Bioassays were performed at 27 degrees+/-1 degrees C, RH>or=80% and a photoperiod of 12:12 h. Larval mortality was observed 24 h after treatment. Four replicates for each concentration were evaluated to determine lethal concentrations (LC). Oleoresin LC50 and LC99 values were 1579 and 3491 ppm, respectively. The potential use of oleoresin for control of R. (B.) microplus is discussed. The results of this study reinforce the importance of the preservation of C. reticulata in its natural Biome, as a potentially auto-sustainable medicinal resource among the flora of Amazonian forest.     

Participation of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) in the epidemiology of canine visceral leishmaniasis

The vectorial competence of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is discussed in relation to the epidemiology of canine visceral leishmaniasis, taking into account its strict association with dogs and the low indices of natural infection presented by its known vector, the phlebotomine sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. In order to evaluate natural infection by Leishmania chagasi and the infectivity of these parasites in the tick, 39 specimens (6 females, 11 males and 22 nymphs) of R. sanguineus were removed from 21 dogs showing diverse symptoms of zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL). Six ticks (15.4%) gave positive results for the genus Leishmania using the PCR technique. To determine the infectivity of the parasites, 36 hamsters were inoculated orally and peritoneally with macerates of ticks removed from nine dogs symptomatic for visceral leishmaniasis. After 6 months the hamsters were sacrificed and necropsied. Serum was removed for IFAT, as well as spleen and liver fragments to make imprint smears and for PCR. Eight (88.9%) of these dogs presented ticks that were infective for 14 hamsters (41.2%), 12 (85.7%) of them infected peritoneally and two (14.3%) orally. PCR revealed 27 smears (40.9%) to be positive, 20 (62.5%) of them infected peritoneally and seven (20.6%) orally. IFAT showed 14 positive animals (41.2%). Based on these findings, we suggest that the vectorial capacity of R. sanguineus for L. chagasi should be evaluated further, opening new perspectives in the epidemiology of ZVL.     

Acaricidal activity of Calea serrata (Asteraceae) on Boophilus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Calea serrata (Asteraceae) is an endemic Southern Brazilian plant species used for religious and medicinal purposes. Previous study revealed the presence of chromenes, a class of natural compounds that possess insecticidal properties. This study reports the effect of the hexane extract from the aerial parts of this plant on egg hatchability, egg production and mortality rates of newly hatched larvae of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus. Larvae of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, received the same treatment. The extract was toxic to the eggs of B. microplus and to the larvae of both B. microplus and R. sanguineus.     

Efficacy of selamectin against experimentally induced tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor variabilis) infestations on dogs

Seven controlled studies were conducted to investigate the efficacy of selamectin against weekly infestations of dogs with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Dermacentor variabilis. Treatments (selamectin or vehicle alone) were applied topically at weekly, 2-week, or monthly intervals or in a "Monthly Plus" regimen (monthly treatment with an additional treatment at 14 days after the first treatment). Selamectin was supplied in unit dose tubes designed to deliver a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1). The studies ranged in duration from 37 to 90 days. Fifty adult ticks (+/-2) were applied approximately weekly, and tick counts were performed 3, 4, and 5 days after each infestation. The efficacy of selamectin was expressed as the percentage reduction in geometric mean tick counts on selamectin-treated dogs compared with those for dogs treated with the vehicle alone (negative-control). In one study, the engorgement of Dermacentor variabilis was assessed by weighing ticks after removal on the fifth day after each infestation. Weekly and 2-week interval treatments with selamectin provided efficacies against R. sanguineus of >89% across the entire study periods, with 100% efficacy being achieved from 21 days after the first dose and thereafter (study duration, 37 days for the weekly regimen and 44 days for the 2-week interval regimen). D. variabilis also was well controlled by the 2-week interval treatment regimen, with >96% efficacy being achieved from 21 days after the first treatment and thereafter until the end of the study (study duration: 90 days). In five of six studies incorporating three treatments at monthly intervals, the percentage reduction in R. sanguineus and D. variabilis counts 5 days after infestation ranged from 90 to 100% in the second and third months after treatment began. In the sixth study, reductions of > or =95% in D. variabilis counts 5 days after infestation were achieved for 2 weeks after each treatment in the second and third months. For the Monthly Plus regimen, from the second treatment (day 14) onwards, selamectin achieved 83-100% reductions in R. sanguineus and D. variabilis counts 3 days after infestation, and 94-100% reductions 5 days after infestation in three of the four studies. In the fourth study, selamectin demonstrated good efficacy against D. variabilis for 2 weeks after each treatment. In all seven studies, the counts from the selamectin-treated dogs were significantly (P< or =0.018) lower than those from the vehicle-treated dogs on 77 of the 80 assessments made 5 days after infestation. Selamectin also significantly (P< or =0.0105) reduced engorgement of female D. variabilis. These studies demonstrated that selamectin, administered topically to the skin in a single spot at a minimum dosage of 6mgkg(-1) at monthly intervals, was effective in the control of experimentally induced R. sanguineus and D. variabilis infestations on dogs.     

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae): from taxonomy to control

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, commonly known as the brown dog tick, is a three-host tick that feeds primarily on dogs and occasionally on other hosts, including humans. R. sanguineus ticks are widely distributed around the world and they are known vectors of pathogens, such as Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, and Rickettsia conorii. The increasing number of cases of human parasitism by R. sanguineus ticks reported in the literature indicates that the interaction between humans and R. sanguineus ticks may be more common than it is actually recognized. The indiscriminate use of acaricides is an emerging problem worldwide and has led to the selection of acaricide resistant tick strains. In this article, the medical and veterinary importance, taxonomy, biology, and ecology of R. sanguineus ticks around the world are reviewed. It also discusses the current strategies for the control of R. sanguineus, highlighting the potential risks associated to the improper use of acaricides, such as environmental pollution and toxicity to humans and other non-target organisms (e.g., tick predators).     

Efficacy of the Bm86 antigen against immature instars and adults of the dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae)

The Bm86 antigen has been used to control ticks of the Boophilus genera in integrated programs that also include the use of acaricides. Because of recent phylogenetic studies have lead to the inclusion of all Boophilus species within the Rhipicephalus genera, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of the Bm86 antigen on the biotic potential of Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Domestic dogs were vaccinated with Bm86 and challenged with the three instars of R. sanguineus. Male and female mongrel dogs were divided into two groups of four animals each, comprising non-vaccinated and vaccinated animals. Immunized dogs were given two doses of an experimental formulation containing 50 μg of recombinant Bm86, at 21 days interval while the other group was given placebo, consisting of the same preparation without Bm86. Each dog was challenged 21 days after the last dose with 250 larvae, 100 nymphs and 55 adults (25 females and 30 males) released inside feeding chambers (one per instar) glued to their shaved flank. The effect of the vaccination was evaluated by determining biological parameters of ticks including the yield rates of larvae, nymphs and adult females. Adult females engorged weight, egg mass weight, efficiency rate of conversion to eggs (ERCE) and hatchability. In addition, sera were collected from dogs at 0, 21, 36, 45 and 75 days after the vaccination and used for the detection of specific antibodies by ELISA. Collection rates of larvae, nymphs and adult females fed on vaccinated dogs were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 38%, 29% and 31%, respectively, as compared with non-vaccinated controls. Significant reductions were also observed in weight of engorged females and egg mass, in ERCE, but not in the hatch rate of ticks fed on immunized dogs. ELISA data revealed a marked and significant increase in optical densities of sera from vaccinated animals after the second dose of Bm86. We concluded that the Bm86 antigen used as a vaccine for dogs reduced the viability and biotic potential of the R. sanguineus.     

Comparison of the external morphology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks from Brazil and Argentina

In the present study the external morphology of semi-engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus females ticks from Brazil and Argentina were compared by scanning electron microscopy. Many differences were detected among the R. sanguineus collected at the two localities, such as body size, shape of the genital pore, and morphology of the sensory structures. All these characteristics are fundamental for the diagnosis of species of the genus Rhipicephalus and thus indicate the need for further comparisons and, the taxonomical revision of this species of tick in the Neotropics.     

Degeneration of salivary glands of males of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari, Ixodidae)

The present study examined the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus sanguineus males at days 0, 3, and 7 post-detachment from the host. Degeneration of this organ occurred in the three stages and it advanced as time away from the host progressed. Thus, characteristics of degeneration were more prominent in males at day 7 post-detachment than in males at day 0 post-detachment. In males at day 0 post-detachment, type I acini were intact; while in other stages these acini exhibited signs of degeneration. In type II acini of individuals at day 0 post-detachment, cells a, c1-c5, c8, and indeterminate were identified. Only c1 and c8 were intact. The remaining cell types were undergoing degeneration, as well as all cells d-f in type III acini, and all g in type IV acini. In males at day 3 post-detachment from the host, all cells (a, c1-c5, c8 and indeterminate) of type II acini, cells d and e in type III acini, and g in type IV were undergoing degeneration. In some Indeterminate acini, the boundaries of cells still could be distinguished, while in others, only a cytoplasmic mass was observed. At day 3 post-detachment, apoptotic bodies were present. In males at day 7 post-detachment from the host, the degeneration process progressed. All cells a, c1, c3-c5, c8 and indeterminate in type II, and d and e in type III acini were undergoing degeneration. Type IV acini still contained remnants of secretion and in Indeterminate acini, only a cytoplasmic mass could be observed. At this stage, apoptotic bodies were also present. The present study still revealed that cells of salivary glands of R. sanguineus males when degenerating undergo the following changes: (a) decrease in secretion production with or without granule breakage, (b) changes in nuclear morphology, (c) cytoplasm shrinkage, (d) loss of cell shape, (e) loss of cell boundaries, and (e) cytoplasmic vacuolation. Together, these changes result in cell fragmentation with release of apoptotic bodies.     

Biological and DNA evidence of two dissimilar populations of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick group (Acari: Ixodidae) in South America

In this work, the biology, mitochondrial DNA and fertility of hybrids from two strains of Rhipicephalus sanguineus, from Brazil and Argentina, were compared. Engorged larvae, nymphs and adults from Argentina weighed more and the engorgement period of adult females was significantly longer than those of their Brazilian counterparts, whereas adult female tick yield rate was higher for the Brazilian strain. High intraspecific divergence of mitochondrial DNA was detected between R. sanguineus from Brazil and Argentina. On the other hand, a strong genetic relationship was detected between European and Argentinean R. sanguineus populations while the Brazilian population appeared to be related to the African Rhipicephalus turanicus. Adult hybrid females laid eggs, which were mostly unviable, whereas a mean of more than 1400 larvae hatched per egg mass from pure Brazilian and Argentinean strains. These results showed that differences between these strains are greater than previously assumed and that the biosystematic status of R. sanguineus ticks from South America should be re-evaluated. Wide variations, such as these might account for the reported worldwide differences in biology and vector capacity of this species.     

Climate change and the genus Rhipicephalus (Acari: Ixodidae) in Africa

The suitability of present and future climates for 30 Rhipicephalus species in Africa are predicted using a simple climate envelope model as well as a Division of Atmospheric Research Limited-Area Model (DARLAM). DARLAM's predictions are compared with the mean outcome from two global circulation models. East Africa and South Africa are considered the most vulnerable regions on the continent to climate-induced changes in tick distributions and tick-borne diseases. More than 50% of the species examined show potential range expansion and more than 70% of this range expansion is found in economically important tick species. More than 20% of the species experienced range shifts of between 50 and 100%. There is also an increase in tick species richness in the south-western regions of the sub-continent. Actual range alterations due to climate change may be even greater since factors like land degradation and human population increase have not been included in this modelling process. However, these predictions are also subject to the effect that climate change may have on the hosts of the ticks, particularly those that favour a restricted range of hosts. Where possible, the anticipated biological implications of the predicted changes are explored.     

Acaricidal activity of plant essential oils against Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae)

The acaricial activity of 56 plant essential oils against poultry house-collected adult Dermanyssus gallinae De Geer was examined using direct contact and fumigation methods. In a filter paper contact bioassay, 100% mortality at 0.07 mg cm⁻² was observed in bay, cade, cinnamon, clove bud, coriander, horseradish, lime dis 5F, mustard, pennyroyal, pimento berry, spearmint, thyme red and thyme white oils, whereas the mortality of these oils was significantly decreased at 0.02 mg cm⁻². In fumigation tests with adult D. gallinae at 0.28 mg cm⁻², cade, clove bud, coriander, horseradish and mustard oils were more effective in closed containers than in open ones, indicating that the effect of these essential oils was largely due to action in the vapour phase. Plant essential oils described herein merit further study as potential D. gallinae control agents.     

Attempted transmission of Ehrlichia risticii by field-captured Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae)

The capability of field-collected American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, to infect horses with Ehrlichia risticii, causative agent of Potomac horse fever (PHF), was examined by allowing adult ticks collected from horse farms with a history of PHF to feed on susceptible horses. More than 500 male and female ticks attached and fed on 3 test horses; however, no clinical or serologic evidence of PHF was observed in treated or control horses. All horses were challenge exposed with E risticii-infective blood by inoculation at 60 to 65 days after ticks fed, and all developed clinical PHF with subsequent seroconversion. The data, therefore, indicated that adult D variabilis, a common parasite of horses on Maryland premises where PHF is enzootic, may not serve as a vector of E risticii.     

In vitro acaricidal effect of tannin-rich plants against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vitro acaricidal effects of lyophilized extracts of four tannin rich plants (Acacia pennatula, Piscidia piscipula, Leucaena leucocephala and Lysiloma latisiliquum) against diverse stages of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and to asses whether tannins were involved in the acaricidal effect using polyethylene glycol (PEG) to block tannins. Larval immersion (LIT) and adult immersion (AIT) tests were used to evaluate the acaricidal effect of each of the lyophilized extracts against larval and adult stages of R. microplus respectively. Larvae and adult ticks were exposed to increasing concentrations of each plant extract (0, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 and 19,200 μg ml(-1)) for 10 min. Larval mortality was recorded at 48 h post-incubation. Adult mortality was recorded daily over 14 days, at which point their reproductive efficiency was evaluated. PEG was added to the extracts to verify whether tannins were involved in the acaricidal effect. The effect on egg laying inhibition and larval mortality was analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS. A Kruskal-Wallis test was used to assess the effect of PEG on LIT results. Calculation of the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) was performed using a probit analysis. All extracts reduced the viability of R. microplus larval stages (P<0.001), and viability was restored with the addition of PEG suggesting an important role of tannins in the acaricidal effect (P<0.001). The LC50 values of L. latisiliquum and P. piscipula plant extracts were 6.402 and 2.466 μg ml(-1). None of the tannin-rich plant extracts affected adult mortality (P>0.05). Lysiloma latisiliquum extract inhibited egg hatching of R. microplus (P<0.01). Tannin-rich plant extracts from A. pennatula, P. piscipula, L. leucocephala and L. latisiliquum showed potential acaricidal activity. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm this finding.     

Acaricidal properties of the essential oil and precocene II obtained from Calea serrata (Asteraceae) on the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

Calea serrata Less. (Asteraceae), an endemic species of south Brazil known as "quebra-tudo", is used in Afro-Brazilian religious rituals and in folk medicine for treating liver disorders. Phytochemical studies of the n-hexane extract of this plant demonstrated the presence of precocene II, a benzopyran derivative known for its insecticidal activity. The aim of this work was to isolate this benzopyran and determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of C. serrata and further to evaluate the acaricidal activity of the essential oil and precocene II against the larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The LC(99.9) and LC(50) values obtained with the oil, which presents precocene II and sesquiterpenes, were 3.94 μL/mL and 0.28 μL/mL, respectively. For precocene II this values were 4.25mg/mL and 1.78 mg/mL, respectively. The results indicate a synergistic interaction between the components of the oil and precocene II.     

Acaricidal effects of the essential oil of Origanum minutiflorum (Lamiaceae) against Rhipicephalus turanicus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The acaricidal effects of the volatile essential oil Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz & P.H. Davis (Lamiaceae) against adult Rhipicephalus turanicus was evaluated at a variety of concentrations and exposure times. Generally tick mortality increased with concentration and exposure. Ticks exposed to vapors from cotton wicks containing at least 10 μl/L resulted in complete (100%) mortality at 120 min. The major constituent of essential oil obtained from the plant material of O. minutiflorum was carvacrol.     

Comparison of the reproductive biology between acaricide-resistant and acaricide-susceptible Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae)

The reproductive fitness of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) strains resistant to organophosphate (OP), pyrethroid (P), or formamidine (F) acaricides was compared to an acaricide-susceptible (SUS) strain to determine whether the acquisition of resistance affected reproductive fitness in the resistant strains. The SUS strain females had a 3.0 days preoviposition period, a 12.1 days oviposition period, a 22.5 days egg incubation period, a mean of 3670 eggs per female, and a mean percentage egg hatch of 78.1%, which were all remarkably similar to these same parameters reported for this species throughout the world. The reproductive biology of the P-resistant strain (PYR) and the F-resistant strain (FOR) were, for the most part, similar to those of the SUS strain. In the few instances where statistical differences did occur there was little evidence that the variation had any biological basis that could be attributed to a reduction in fitness related to resistance to P or F acaricides. Although the comparison of reproductive parameters of the OP-resistant strain (OPR) and the SUS strain identified statistical differences between the mean egg incubation and oviposition periods, the magnitude of the differences was not sufficient to conclude that the OPR strain was biologically less fit than the SUS strain. However, the OPR strain produced 30% fewer eggs (2562 eggs per female) than the SUS strain (3670 eggs per female) indicating the acquisition of resistance placed the OPR at a selective disadvantage relative to the SUS strain. This coupled with a lower, though non-significant, egg hatch was used to predict there would be a reduction of at least 34.1% in larval numbers available to potentially re-infest subsequent cattle than were available from the SUS strain. These data may aid the development of management strategies that can be used to control OP-resistant ticks.     

Acaricidal activity of aqueous extract and synthesized silver nanoparticles from Manilkara zapota against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Traditional parasite control is primarily based on the use of chemical acaricides, which unfortunately have many negative side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of plant synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous leaf extract of Manilkara zapota to control Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction. The UV-vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing silver nanostructures showed a peak at 421 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance band of AgNPs. SEM supports the biosynthesis and characterization of AgNPs with spherical and oval in shape and size of 70-140 nm. Acaricidal activity of aqueous leaf extract of M. zapota and synthesized AgNPs were carried out against R. (B.) microplus and the results showed the LC(50) values of 16.72 and 3.44 mg/L; r(2)=0.856 and 0.783), respectively.     

Acaricidal properties of two extracts from Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (Combrataceae) against Hyalomma anatolicum (Acari: Ixodidae)

Laboratory test were carried out on eggs, larvae, nymphs and adults of Hyalomma anatolicum to determine the acaricidal activities of petroleum ether (PE) and crude ethanolic extracts (EE) from the leaves of Guiera senegalensis J.F. Gmel. (Combrataceae) using immersion method.Stock solutions, of 300 mg/ml (30%) of the each two extract, were prepared. Six two-fold serial dilutions each with three replicates were used. Both extracts, at the highest concentration 150 mg/ml (15%), induced 100% failure of hatching of the treated eggs. The concentrations of PE and EE that induced 50% inhibition of the hatchability (IC₅₀) were 1.71 and 0.508%, respectively. In the larval immersion test (LIT), EE at 15% concentration caused complete mortality while the same concentration of PE resulted in 96% mortality. The mortalities increased with concentrations. There was a correlation between the mortalities and increased concentrations, the values of the linear correlation coefficient (r) for PE and EE were 0.93 and 0.79, and The LC₅₀ and LC₉₉ were 2.08 and 14.09, and 0.787 and 11.054, respectively. At the concentrations of 3.75%, 7.5% and 15%, PE inhibited the molting of the nymphs by 40, 55 and 65%, respectively, while EE induced 46.49, 64.3 and 71.4% inhibition, respectively. The effectiveness of the treatment against unfed adult females was assessed by measuring the feeding performance and egg production using adult immersion test (AIT). Although, there was no mortality in unfed adults, PE and EE inhibited feeding and egg-laying of the survived females by 35–100% and 6.16–100%, respectively. Our results indicated that G. senegalensis is a promising biocontrol candidate as an acaricidal agent against H. anatolicum.