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Assessment and control of house dust mite infestation
E Bischoff1, A Fischer, B Liebenberg
1Indoor Medical Biology Research Center, Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.
Abstract:
Most allergens of the house dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) are carried by the mite excreta rather than by the mites themselves. A method of assessing the concentration of mite excreta in dust (the Acarex test) is described. The effects of Acarosan products, whose active ingredient is solidified benzyl benzoate, on mites and mite excreta were evaluated. Over a period of three years, three to four applications of Acarosan effectively destroyed mites in carpets, upholstery, and mattresses, as assessed by the measure of mite excreta and a count of live mites.
Insights
Acarosan products effectively eliminated house dust mites and their allergens. This study assessed mite excreta concentration using the Acarex test, confirming product efficacy over three years in homes.
Area of Science:
- Allergology
- Environmental Health
- Entomology
Background:
- House dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae) are a primary source of indoor allergens.
- Mite allergens are predominantly found in mite excreta, not the mites themselves.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Acarosan products, containing solidified benzyl benzoate, in controlling house dust mites and their excreta.
- To assess the impact of Acarosan on mite populations and allergen levels in domestic environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Acarex test to quantify mite excreta concentration in dust samples.
- Monitored mite populations through live mite counts.
- Applied Acarosan products multiple times over a three-year period to carpets, upholstery, and mattresses.
Main Results:
- Consistent application of Acarosan products led to a significant reduction in mite excreta.
- Live mite counts also decreased substantially, indicating effective mite destruction.
- The study confirmed the long-term effectiveness of Acarosan in reducing mite populations and associated allergens.
Conclusions:
- Acarosan products demonstrate high efficacy in eradicating house dust mites and reducing allergen loads in homes.
- Solidified benzyl benzoate is an effective active ingredient for long-term mite control in domestic settings.
- The Acarex test provides a reliable method for assessing mite infestation levels and treatment effectiveness.