AbstractThe last few years have seen the introduction of an unprecedented number of new classes of acaricides with novel or under‐exploited modes of action, discovered by traditional screening. Acaricide research has uncovered several unrelated compounds that possess improved properties. Pyridaben, acequinocyl, diafenthiuron, etoxazole, spirodiclofen and bifenazate, in particular, are acaricides that are safe to beneficials, have low mammalian toxicity and short environmental persistence. Many of the new acaricides appear to affect mitochondrial respiration, and previously unknown targets affecting mite growth and development have been identified, offering new opportunities for mite control. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry