Exploring silver skin coffee by-products as sustainable alternatives for Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ectoparasite control

Livestock plays a crucial role in food production, however, the increasing demand for animal-derived products has contributed to the proliferation of the tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus , leading to significant economic losses and disease transmission in livestock. The excessive use of chemical acaricides has resulted in parasite resistance, making control increasingly difficult. Phytotherapeutic acaricides have emerged as a promising solution due to their lower toxicity and reduced risk of resistance. Coffee ( Coffea arabica L.) is one of the most consumed beverages globally and is known for its medicinal properties, including psychoactive, antioxidant and stimulant effects. However, large-scale coffee production generates waste, leading to research into new applications for its by-products, such as silver skin. Recent studies suggest that these wastes may possess acaricidal properties, opening up possibilities for sustainable pest control. To evaluate the in vitro larvicidal effect of the hydroethanolic extract (7:3) on R. (B.) microplus larvae, the larval package test (LPT) was performed using concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL, diluted in Milli-Q water and 2% Tween. The negative control was Milli-Q water and 2% Tween. The extract demonstrated activity at all concentrations tested, reaching a larval mortality rate of 2.86% at the highest concentration. These studies reinforce the potential of by-products as an innovative and environmentally friendly alternative for ectoparasite control, allowing further investigations to advance towards product development. The use of natural compounds can help minimize the risks associated with chemical acaricides, such as toxicity to non-target organisms and contamination of the ecosystem. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany