House-dust mite (Pyroglyphidae) populations in mattresses, and their control by electric blankets.
A reduction in house-dust-mite populations of 19-84% in beds in regular use could be achieved by heating the mattresses with electric blankets, when the beds were not being slept on. The effect of the heating treatment on the temperature and relative humidity inside the mattress is discussed. House-dust mites in the heated portions of the mattress migrated deeper inside the mattress to a depth of 3.5-5.0 cm. Evidence was also found that house-dust mites in non-heated mattresses do not only live near the surface, but that they are also present deep inside the mattress.
de Boer
R
R
Department of Pure and Applied Ecology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
van der Geest
L P
LP
D000818:Animals; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004391:Dust; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008925:Mites
D004391:Dust