Natural acaricides against Hyalomma tick species: A review of efficacy, mechanisms and applications in integrated pest management

The increasing occurrence of Hyalomma ticks, especially H. scupense, H. anatolicum, H. marginatum and H. dromedarii, poses a serious threat to livestock health and production, prompting research on innovative tick control strategies. Hence, this review explores the efficacy of natural acaricides as a green alternative to synthetic acaricides. Several recent studies have demonstrated promising acaricidal activity, particularly of plant-derived essential oils and extracts, against these Hyalomma species. In this reviex, we examine the active ingredients, testing methods, and overall efficacy of such natural products in controlling tick infestations. The review underscores the need to close existing research gaps, including the importance of in vivo studies, long-term efficacy evaluations, and exploration of the mechanisms of action of these natural acaricides. In addition, the use of natural compounds that are not harmful to non-target organisms and the environment is discussed, as they have ecologically beneficial effects. Despite these advances, standardized protocols for evaluating natural acaricides and assessing their integration into existing tick management programs remain underdeveloped. This review highlights the potential of natural acaricides in livestock health and its correlation with ecological issues, emphasizing the need for sustainable tick management through these innovative strategies that warrant further investigation and development to control ticks of this genus.