The effectiveness of benzyl benzoate and different chemicals as acaricides

Abstract

Several observations have indicated that house‐dust mites (HDM) play an important role in allergic diseases. Thus, the primary form of treatment should aim at reducing exposure to HDM for these patients. Allergenavoidance measures in homes have been demonstrated to be beneficial in decreasing the risk of sensitization, severity of symptoms, bronchial reactivity, and basophil sensitivity. Various chemical methods, as well as physical measures, have been tried to eliminate mite allergens from house dust. However, none have gained wide acceptance because of the lack of effectiveness and safety, and the high cost. It is clear that new approaches are required for effective long‐term control of HDM allergens. This study compared the acaricidal activities of phenyl salicylate. tea leaf extract (high tannic acid content), and essential oils (eucalyptus and laurel) with that of benzyl benzoate. The contact, short‐duration persistence, and residual effects of various concentrations of these chemicals and benzyl benzoate were assessed in laboratory conditions with specially designed wells. Our data suggest that benzyl benzoate may not be effective when applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, but may be effective when applied more frequently (i.e., three to four times a year) and for longer periods (up to 24 h) even with lower concentrations (0.4%). Essential oils were shown to have little acaricidal activity, but virtually no effect was observed with tea. Among the chemicals used, phenyl salicylate seems to be promising as an alternative acaricide.

Efficacy of various synthetic pyrethroid-impregnated encasement materials against house dust mite under laboratory conditions

“…The mortality rate of the mites was assessed after 24 h, following previous testing of acaricidal activity in HDM (Kalpaklioglu et al 1996). The lowest concentration of each acaricide that caused 100% mortality was chosen for further acaricidal activity study: groups of 20 adult mites were continuously exposed to 500 mg/m 2 permethrin, 900 mg/m 2 deltamethrin, 5000 mg/m 2 lamdacyhalothrin, 1250 mg/m 2 esbioallenthrin, 40000 mg/m 2 bifenthrin, or 312.5 mg/m 2 benzyl benzoate.…”

Inactivation of Dust Mites, Dust Mite Allergen, and Mold from Carpet

“…(8,37,42,43) Vacuuming alone or in combination with very hot water has been found to be effective at killing mites and removing allergens, (9) but some investigators have found that vacuuming removes dust mites' natural predators, cheyletus mites, (44) which produces more dust mites. (45,46) Two studies have examined the impact of steam cleaning on allergen removal from carpet.…”

“…Mitigation techniques to control dust mite and dust mite allergens consist of either physical methods, such as vacuuming or steam cleaning, or chemical treatment with acaricides, such as benzyl benzoate, (29,(37)(38)(39) disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, (40,41) and tannic acid. (8,37,42,43) Vacuuming alone or in combination with very hot water has been found to be effective at killing mites and removing allergens, (9) but some investigators have found that vacuuming removes dust mites' natural predators, cheyletus mites, (44) which produces more dust mites.…”

Effects of high and low temperatures on development time and mortality of house dust mite eggs

“…This dictum was largely based on a positive association observed between high levels of mite allergen exposure and the manifestation of asthma (Sporik et al 1990), bronchial hyperresponsiveness (Custovic et al 1996), and IgE-mediated sensitization in young children (Torrent et al 2006), although recent studies have suggested the existence of a complex, non-linear relationship (Schram-Bijkerk et al 2006;Tovey et al 2008). Such control measures as encasing mattresses/pillows with impermeable covers (Mahakittikun et al 2006), washing bedding in hot water ([55°C) (McDonald and Tovey 1992), exposing loose carpets to direct sunlight (Tovey and Woolcock 1994), vacuuming (Adilah et al 1997), using acaricides (Kalpakhoglu et al 1996) which kill upon contact, or replacing carpets with vinyl or wooden floors (Tovey and Marks 1999) have been recommended. While the efficacy of these control measures has been challenged (Custovic and van Wijk 2005), Colloff (2009) has cited 12 trials/studies showing significant clinical improvement over the control group in asthma-related outcome measures.…”