Mortality of House Dust Mites, Dermatophagoides Farinae and D. Pteronyssinus, Exposed to Dehydrating Conditions or Selected Pesticides

The LT50's of Dermatophagoides farinae subjected 40% and 50% rh and 25°, 28°, 31° and 34°C ranged from 1.33 to 3.98 days. LT50's for females were higher than those for males. Males were more susceptible to dessication than females. LT50's for the females of D. farinae and D. pteronyssinus were obtained when exposed for 24 hr to 1%% or less diazinon, Dowco® 214, Kara thane®, Rabon®, Ronnel®, and Pentac®. Concentrations greater than 1% were required to obtain an LT50 using Abate®, allethrin, Butacide®, malathion, rotenone, and Tedion®.