The efficacy of benzyl benzoate sprays in killing the storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acari: Acaridae)

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 vacuming. 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.