Highlights New approaches have been proposed in the evaluation of pesticide selectivity towards natural enemies, in particular predatory mites. Predatory mites (i.e. phytoseiids) can become resistant to pesticides by mainly detoxification but also target-site mutations. Some recently developed acaricides show natural differential affinity for the target-site between spider mites and phytoseiids. Pesticide-free refuges and pesticide-treated nets increase the compatibility of pesticides with phytoseiids. Providing alternative foods can reduce the impact of pesticides on phytoseiids.