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Indika Organics - Organic Bedding and matirials. Full line of Anti Dust mite and bed bug prook fabrics bedding and materials.
Detection
House dust mite presence is often suspected before they are actually seen and accurately identified. Requests for control often come from individuals who have been diagnosed by medical personnel as allergic to the house dust mite or the allergens produced.
The presence of house dust mites can be confirmed microscopically which requires collecting samples from mattresses, couches or carpets. Also, it requires the use of a microscope with sufficient magnification and the technical ability to recognize house dust mites under the microscope.
Another diagnostic test known as "Acarex" is sold and distributed by Fisons in the United States. This is a "dipstick-type" test similar to those sold in drugstores for glucose, etc. The test actually detects the presence of house dust mite feces. Fisons Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, kit costs $6.95 and measures mite concentrations in carpets. If levels are high, a mite-killing powder, Acarosan, can then be brushed into the rug, left to dry overnight and vacummed up the next day. In laboratory studies, Acarosan killed up to 99 percent of mites. The active ingredient is the food additive benzyl benozoate; now FDA-approved as a "miticide," it's available along with the test kit at pharmacies, through allergists or from the distributor ([800] 234-0816]. Also new on the market is a tannic-acid spray called Allergy Control Solution. Tannic acid--also found in coffee and tea--doesn't kill mites but chemically alters the proteins
One must collect dust samples and mix a portion of the sample with reagents packed with the test. One then places the dipstick into the mixture, removes it, and compares the color change to a chart packed with the test. It will give an indication of the level of infestation. Keep test kits refrigerated. Contact drugstores and specialty shops dealing with water and air purification systems and related environmental control for the diagnostic kit.
(this is for information only. Indika Organics does not provide these products.)