Influence of low temperature (-30 degrees C) on the different stages of the human allergy mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Epidermoptidae).

ABSTRACT

Effects of low temperature (-30 degrees C) on the different life stages of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) were studied. Humid cold air at -30 degrees C killed all stages of mites except eggs after 10 min; after 35 min exposure, 20% of the eggs hatched after the incubation period. Dry, cold air at -30 degrees C killed 40% of all stages of mites except eggs after 4 min and 100% after 5 min; all eggs died after 1 min exposure.