The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for use to control parasitic mites of honey bees, particularly Varroa mites. In one aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is a miticidally effective amount of a selected ketone or 1-heptanol, ethyl butyrate, benzaldehyde, heptaldehyde, or d-limonene. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to control of parasitic mites of honey bees wherein the active ingredient is an effective attractant amount of 2-heptanone. The attracted mites are then trapped or otherwise removed from the locus of the bees. The present invention is also directed to methods and compositions which include 2-heptanone to control hive invading pests of honey bees.