A tiny insect that lives next to us and can cause allergies. Dust mites are the most important problem for our health today.
Information on dust mite remedies is divided into chapters:
- Indications for the use of anti-dust mite products
- Do-it-yourself methods for dealing with dust mites
- Preventing dust mites
Although, of course, scientists have not been able to prove that this particular creature is the cause and culprit of all allergic reactions. Anything can undermine your immunity - spoiled food, low-quality medicines and cosmetics, poor ecology. But the fact that dust mites are very dangerous for each of us should not raise doubts.
Unfortunately, even if you have discovered a parasite and studied it well, this does not mean that it will be easy to get rid of it. Even a team of professionals cannot cope with the complete destruction of the colony. These tiny creatures manage to hide anywhere. They can be found in pillows and blankets, in the fur of pets, ticks are full of public transport seats, in short - everywhere. Because of this, the main task is precisely the massive reduction in the population of parasites in a separate room, apartment or house.
What are acaricidal drugs
Spider mites are dangerous insects. According to statistics, spiders infect more than 60% of the crop in a vegetable garden or garden. Researchers count more than 100 different species of ticks.
Main characteristics of the pest:
- small body size (less than 1 mm in length);
- entangles leaves and stems with a sticky web;
- feeds exclusively on plant sap;
- quickly affects leaf blades;
- lives less than 2 months, but during its existence lays up to 500 eggs, from which several generations emerge;
- The development of the tick population rapidly increases at air temperatures from + 15 to + 25°.
A feature that is difficult to combat with conventional methods is the increased viability of the ovipositor. The eggs survive unfavorable climatic conditions and remain active for 5 years.
Factors influencing the appearance of spider mites:
- increased humidity or excessive dry air;
- unfavorable weather conditions (frequent rains and prolonged fogs);
- soil contamination with fungal infections;
- migration of female mites from the surface of other crops.
There are several types of acaricidal drugs that are designed to combat spider mites and similar insects.
Protective bedding
To prevent the proliferation of parasites in bed, it is recommended to use special pillowcases and mattress covers.
- SafeRest Premium Hypoallergenic Waterproof Mattress Protector - Vinyl Fre. The mattress cover is made of durable, high-quality cotton. Hypoallergenic material prevents skin irritation and protects against the accumulation of dust mites. The average product price is $27. You can buy it in a specialized store in large cities, via the Internet.
- Hospitology Sleep Defense System Waterproof/Dust Mite Proof Pillow Encasement. An addition to the previous means of protection - pillowcases. Sold in different sizes and shapes, you can choose them for a child’s bed. Made from breathable polyester. Fastened with a zipper, they keep all allergens and dust inside the pillow. Set price starts from $20. Buy online.
On a note!
Feather pillows should be replaced with silicone and synthetic padding. They are no worse in quality, just as soft, but mites do not live in synthetic fabric. This is the main advantage.
Classification of acaricides
The classification is based on the types of action, as well as on the membership of the base substance in a specific chemical class.
Types of drugs | Action |
Insecto | Preparations that destroy ticks are based on inorganic sulfur. |
Specifico | Substances of a narrowly targeted type of action are produced on the basis of sulfur, bromine or nitrogen. |
Nitrogen-containing | The elements of the composition destroy mites and kill pathogenic fungal bacteria, therefore they are used not only against insects, but also as remedies against fungal infections. |
The first group of acaricides includes biological and chemical substances. Insectoacaricides are used to treat grains, vegetables, fruit crops and potatoes. These are products such as Aktara, Force.
Synthetic pyrethroids are substances whose structure and mechanism of action are similar to the properties of natural components. Pyrethroids are used to remove mites from the surface of vegetable or garden crops. The category of such drugs includes Iskra, Altair, Tsunami.
Acaricidal preparations for ticks with sulfur-containing substances are contact compositions, these include colloidal sulfur, Neoton, Polisan. These preparations are used to treat grapes, berries, fruit and fruit plantings.
All of the above remedies have a different mechanism of action:
- Contact. The drugs only work after direct contact with parasites.
- Intestinal. These are substances that enter the insect’s body when it eats. They effectively fight leaf-eating insects. Insects die as a result of acaricides entering the body. This group of drugs is most often used on an industrial scale, when contact insecticides are sprayed from aircraft onto agricultural plantings.
- System. A group of drugs that penetrate the cell sap of plants. The liquid becomes toxic to insects. Parasites are completely destroyed after eating plant parts. Systemic drugs have a disadvantage: they affect the technical characteristics of crops and are removed from the plant surface over several weeks.
- Respiratory. Elements in the form of sprays that affect the respiratory system of insects and cause their death.
- Translaminar. Substances of a special category that are independently distributed over the previously untreated surface of the plant.
List of effective acaricidal preparations against mites for plants.
An auxiliary classification that facilitates orientation among acaricidal agents is based on the characteristics of the release form:
- Concentrated suspension. A special solution that contains solid particles of the main substance. To prepare the working composition, the concentrated suspension must be shaken, then the mixture is prepared according to the instructions.
- Concentrated emulsion. A mixture of two liquids with a pronounced oily residue. Emulsions are prone to separation, so they must be shaken thoroughly before preparation.
- Sticks. A convenient form that is most often used at home. To rid a flower plant of mites, insert a stick vertically into the pot.
- Powder. Fine powder is used to prepare a working solution or poured onto the soil surface as an independent product.
Signs of dust mites in your home
Scientists at the University of Massachusetts conducted studies that found that rural children are allergic to dust mites several times less often than urban children. It is believed that this reaction is caused by earlier contact of the former with domestic and farm animals, on whose fur there are more than enough such parasites. But the latter live in more sterile conditions, and therefore experience an allergic reaction many times more often.
In normal house dust, that is, in an amount safe for human health, there should be no more than 100 individuals per 1 gram. But statistics from apartment studies have shown that there are often hundreds of times more of them - up to 50 thousand per gram of dust. Dust mites are dangerous primarily because they produce harmful substances in huge volumes. Allergens produced by these mites cause an increased reaction of the human body to them in the form of:
- Bronchial asthma;
- Allergic rhinitis;
- Atopic dermatitis;
- Conjunctivitis.
That is, dust mites can cause allergies, manifesting themselves in the form of skin rashes, bumpy areas of redness, problems with respiratory function, wheezing, shortness of breath, tearing and discharge from the eyes and nose. Simply treating this condition will not help to cope with the disease called tick allergy. This does not eliminate the cause of the development of the pathology, and therefore, if the patient feels relief, it will only be temporary. Comprehensive methods of getting rid of ticks and the result of their impact on the patient are needed.
In children with tick-borne bronchial asthma, the frequency of attacks increases in the spring-autumn period, when temperature and humidity reach the level necessary for the reproduction and activation of dust mites. Moreover, attacks are more common at night, that is, when the child comes into contact with the affected surface - the bed.
Instructions for the use of acaricides
Acaricidal preparations against ticks are used for spraying the above-ground parts of plants. To do this, prepare a solution in specially designated plastic, glass or enamel containers. The skin of the hands is protected with rubber gloves, the respiratory organs and eyes are protected with respirators and glass goggles.
The preparation method for most acaricidal preparations is the same:
- First, take half of the total volume of water, dilute the required amount of the drug until a homogeneous liquid is obtained.
- Then the rest of the water is added to the container and the resulting liquid is intensively mixed.
- The composition is poured into the spray tank.
The solution is used immediately in full. It cannot be stored for more than one day.
Prevention measures
Once you get rid of dust mites, you need to take regular measures to prevent their re-spread. To do this, you must follow the following recommendations:
- maintain cleanliness, regularly do wet cleaning, preventing dust accumulation;
- minimize the number of carpets, soft toys, textiles in the apartment;
- change bed linen every 7-10 days, wash it at high temperature;
- If possible, dry bedding in the fresh air;
- open windows as often as possible.
In addition, it is advisable to have a steam cleaner for upholstered furniture and an air purifier in your home.
Frequency of application
How often to use the acaricidal drug depends on the technical characteristics. Some systemic substances are actively absorbed by plant parts, so their use before harvesting fruits is strictly prohibited.
Acaricidal preparations against ticks are used not only to eliminate ticks, but also to repel other insects. Acaricides can be used as preventive drugs, as well as as a comprehensive measure to eliminate an existing problem.
Impact on the environment, people and pets
Substances can be:
- specific - to kill ticks;
- insectoacaricides - eliminate various insects.
The degree of exposure to people is divided into 4 hazard classes:
- 1st class - the use of the most dangerous substances is possible only indoors (Magtoxin, Phostoxin);
- 2nd class - only animal feed is treated with highly hazardous substances (Marshal, Tanrek, Aktellik, BIFI);
- Class 3 – classified as moderately dangerous. They have a low degree of toxicity, but pose a danger to bees, reptiles and fish (Dichlorvos, Sumitrin, Karbofos, Fenaxin);
- Class 4 – the weakest drugs. The components decompose within several days (Vermitek, Fitoverm, Akarin).
The degree of danger depends on:
- toxicity;
- carcinogenicity;
- effects on embryos;
- degree of irritation of mucous membranes.
The best modern anti-mite preparations for plants
The degree of toxicity of modern drugs is determined by the number of points from 1 to 4. Class 1 drugs pose the greatest danger to humans. Class 4 products are the least toxic. To treat plants and household plantings, use products with hazard class 3 or 4.
Sunmite
Acaricide Sunmite is a drug with a wide spectrum of action. It was produced by Japanese technologists to combat ticks and other insects on garden and vegetable plants.
Sunmite is recommended at the initial stage of ovipositor development. The peculiarity of the drug’s action is the mechanism of stopping the metabolism of parasites. The maximum possible effect is achieved after 15 minutes. after the first treatment. Complete death occurs within a few hours.
Sunmite is produced in the form of a white or light yellow powder. It is odorless and dissolves well in water. The drug is sold in sachets, packaged in 5, 10 or 50 g.
Preparation instructions are indicated on the front side of each sachet. The drug belongs to hazard class 3, it is harmless to humans, but can be highly toxic to birds. Therefore, it is not recommended for use near bodies of water.
The disadvantage of the drug is that pests become accustomed to the base substance, so only one treatment is recommended per season. Repeated use of Sunmite will not produce results.
Advantages of the drug:
- ease of preparation;
- action begins after 15 minutes;
- non-toxic to humans and animals;
- affects different types of ticks;
- are not washed off by rain and water;
- has no smell.
The disadvantages include a one-time treatment, which is due to the parasites becoming accustomed to the base element, as well as toxicity to birds.
Apollo
One of the most modern, popular drugs, created on the basis of the active ingredient in the form of the compound flafirezin. Apollo is produced in the form of a suspension, which is bottled in 1 or 5 liter canisters.
This is an acaricide designed to destroy various types of mites; it can be used to treat grapes, strawberries and some vegetable plantings. With the help of Apollo, pests are destroyed in the early stages of development. As a means of influencing adults, the drug is ineffective. The duration of action of the drug lasts for 1 month from the date of treatment.
The special feature of the product is its pink color. After treatment, the drug settles on the surface of the leaves; thanks to the coloring, you can estimate the area of the treated surface and additionally treat those leaves that do not have a pink solution.
Apollo is recommended for spraying grapevines, apple trees, and strawberry bushes. The treatment is carried out once per season, as ticks quickly get used to the base substance. The second time the insect does not respond to treatment.
When preparing, you must follow the basic rules of work: protect your hands, respiratory organs and eyes from contact with the acaricidal agent.
Main advantages of the drug:
- duration of action;
- destruction of treasure;
- effective against various types of ticks.
One of the disadvantages is the high consumption of funds. For 5 liters of base substance you will need the same amount of water.
Obereon or Obereon Rapid
A new generation acaricide and insecticide with a wide spectrum of action is produced on the basis of two basic elements. Obereon is produced in the form of a suspension concentrate. This product belongs to hazard class 3.
Due to the presence of two active components, the drug simultaneously affects the digestive system of the pest, completely stops the development of larvae and slows down the transmission of nerve impulses. After entering the body, insects begin to slowly die.
Main advantages:
- wide range;
- ease of use and preparation;
- high efficiency;
- the ability to influence oviposition;
- long action;
- no odor;
- lack of resistance of pests to the main substance.
Oberon is used at any stage of pest emergence: from laying eggs to obtaining adult individuals.
When using, several requirements are observed:
- optimal air temperature for treatments is from + 15 to + 25°;
- spraying only during the growing season;
- possibility of a second treatment in 4-7 days.
Experts call the effect produced by the drug “powerful knockdown.” This means that the death of pests occurs a few hours after the initial treatment and covers the entire population. The new generation acaricide is also effective against moths and aphids.
Flumite
Concentrated suspension, which belongs to the category of contact preparations. The acaricide is intended to combat mites on indoor or garden plants. The main base substance is fluphenazine, that is, a chemical pesticide from the tetracycline class. It is traditionally used to eliminate mites on fruit and berry crops.
The substance belongs to the category of drugs with hazard class 3.
Advantages of the drug:
- acts on different age groups of ticks;
- completely safe for bees;
- slows down the viability of oviposition;
- provides contact action.
The solution is sprayed on plants during the growing season. Flumite should not be used more than once a year, as insects quickly get used to the base substance.
Nissan
This is an intestinal contact acaricide, which is produced in ampoules. A highly concentrated liquid is intended for preparing a solution.
The active substance is the hormonal chemical element hexythiazox, discovered by Japanese technologists. It provides a targeted effect: it completely stops the growth and development of adult ticks and makes the larvae unviable.
The solution is prepared from a concentrated mixture and warm water. The prepared liquid is poured into a spray bottle and all parts of the plant are thoroughly wetted. The consumption rate of working fluid varies from 1000 to 15000 liters per 1 ha. Nissoran is used to treat apple trees, grapes, soybeans, and sugar beets.
Advantages:
- the ability to influence spider mites of all age groups;
- the base substance, after entering the insect’s body, blocks nerve endings and causes paralysis;
- wide range of effects;
- quick effect;
- prolonged action;
- destruction of ticks at all stages of mobility;
- lack of influence on the vital activity of beneficial insects;
- no burden on the environment;
- resistance to climatic conditions;
- compatibility with other drugs;
- application at any stage of the growing season.
After treatment, insects continue to exist according to the standard scenario, but as a result of exposure, irreversible actions are quietly launched that interfere with natural processes: molting, chiton formation, egg deposition, and wing formation. Violations of vital functions systematically lead to the death of individuals.
Karbofos
Acaricidal drug based on malathion. Karbofos helps get rid of ticks, midges, and aphids. The product is produced in the form of a powder, packaged in sachets protected by a special shell.
Karbafos destroys ticks after it gets on their body. In 10-15 minutes, paralysis of the nervous system is achieved. After treatment with Karbafos, the protective period lasts 5-10 days. Karbafos is used for processing fruit and berry crops and vegetables. The treatment is repeated many times, since the parasites are unlikely to become addicted.
Benefits of using Karbafos:
- availability;
- ease of use;
- economical consumption;
- high efficiency;
- lack of addiction;
- processing of grain, fruit and vegetable crops.
The disadvantages of the drug are toxicity to humans and bees due to its belonging to hazard class 2, as well as the formation of resistance in some types of pests with constant use and repeated treatments. Karbofos is bred in different ways, the proportions depend on the characteristics of the crop to be processed.
Omite
Acaricidal preparations for ticks are produced on the basis of an aqueous emulsion, for example, Omite. The basis of the drug is an active substance called prepargite, which is available in the form of an aqueous emulsion solution. Omite can be purchased in 1 or 3 liter canisters.
Advantages of the drug:
- speed of action;
- the protective effect lasts 2-3 weeks;
- the solution from the treated surface is not washed off by rain;
- acts by contact and also evaporates substances that paralyze the respiratory organs of parasitic insects;
- excellent for fruit and berry crops.
For 10 liters of water, only 10 ml of the drug is required. The solution is prepared immediately before spraying; the working mixture is not used more than 24 hours after preparation. The disadvantage of the product is the long waiting period for toxicity to decrease. Fruits and berries cannot be sprayed later than 2 months before harvest.
Acaricidal preparations are intended for treating garden and vegetable crops against ticks, moths, aphids, and whiteflies. Insect parasites can harm plants and destroy most of the crop, so treatments must be carried out in a timely manner. Most acaricides help get rid of insects only at the egg-laying stage; other agents affect adult insects.
Air purification devices
Installed indoors in any convenient place. The dust removal device does not take up much space, operates silently, and does not cause discomfort. Effective air purifier – GermGuardian AC4825, 3-in-1 Air Cleaning System with True HEPA, UV-C and Odor Reduction, 22-Inch. The model looks like an air freshener. Battery operated. An ultraviolet lamp is built inside, which kills germs, bacteria, and dust mites. Additionally eliminates unpleasant odors. You can buy it online. The cost needs to be clarified.
Air purifiers