Effect of heat treatments on the house-dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae (Acari: Pyroglyphidae) in a mattress-like polyurethane foam block.

The behaviour and survival of the house-dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae were studied under laboratory conditions in a mattress-like polyurethane foam block that was heated by an electric blanket. Mites obtained from a laboratory culture were introduced into the foam block which was sliced into seven horizontal layers and covered with an electric blanket. Measurements of temperature and relative humidity were taken between the layers and the number of living mites was established using the heat-escape method.