ABSTRACT
This study tested the effectiveness of benzyl benzoate (BB) in killing Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) mites when using the method utilized by regular consumers. The efficacy of the BB sprays was determined in laboratory experiments and semi-field experiments with mattress and mattress pad pieces. The mites were counted and their living status determined at different time points microscopically. In the laboratory experiment, the sprays containing either 0.5 %/0.9 % BB with 70 % ethanol or 0.1 % BB with absolute ethanol were highly efficient, resulting in over 90 % mite mortality within 20-30 minutes. In the semi-field experiment, mimicking the home application, the sprays were applied to pieces of a mattress and a mattress pad, and allowed to affect the area for 30 minutes before thorough vacuuming. The recovery of mites was usually less than 10 %. The sprays containing BB were effective in killing the mites in the laboratory, but success was less prominent in the semi-field tests. This method could be used in testing other compounds for their efficacy in killing mites.
Subject(s)
Acaridae , Benzoates/pharmacology , Insecticides/pharmacology , Mite Infestations/prevention & control , Acaridae/drug effects , Acaridae/growth & development , Allergens/drug effects , Animals , Beds , Finland , Humans , Mite Infestations/microbiology , Time FactorsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Two laboratory animal facilities were examined for storage and house-dust mites. METHODS: Samples of settled dust or material were investigated microscopically, and all of the found mites were identified. RESULTS: Every fourth sample contained mites. On the average, 86 mites were found in a gram of dust. Measurement with a two-way enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed only one sample containing a minor amount of allergen from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that, in addition to house-dust mites, other mites may be important occupational contaminants in animal facilities.
