Fuente: WIPO "varroa" Described herein are bee-safe acaricides that target the varroa mite-specific neuropeptidergic system regulated by proctolin, and methods of use. The acaricides comprise a peptide analog or peptidomimetic of varroa mite proctolin for selective targeting of this pest in a bee colony. The compounds are also effective against other pests, such as ticks. The peptide analog or peptidomimetic generally comprises one or two amino acid residue substitutions or insertions. Also described herein are methods of screening compounds for activity on a proctolin receptor.