METHOD AND DEVICE TO TRAP ACARIDS

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions and methods for eliminating acarids, such as dust mites. The methods include contacting a sheet impregnated with an acarid attracting composition with an object containing acarids. Acarids enter the sheet, which can then be removed to eliminate the acarids. Also disclosed are to acarid attracting compositions and products and kits for attracting, trapping and eliminating acarids.

Claims

1. A method for attracting mites comprising providing a composition comprising an attracting agent, wherein said attracting agent is lavandulol in a concentration of from 0.0000001% (v/v) to 0.0095% (v/v)for attracting mites.

2. The method for attracting mites according to claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises at least one additional attracting agent, wherein said additional attracting agent is a polysorbate in a concentration of from 0.0000001% (v/v) to 0.01% (v/v).

3. The method for attracting mites according to claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises at least one solvent, at least one stabilizer, at least one emulsifier, at least one excipient and/or at least one perfume.

4. The method for attracting mites according to claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises at least one perfume selected from the group consisting of essential oils of Mentha citrate, Mentha piperita, Mentha arvensis, Eucalyptol radiate, Vanilla planifolia, and Vanilla odorata.

5. The method for attracting mites according to claim 1, wherein said mites are selected from group consisting of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae.

6. The method for attracting mites according to claim 2, wherein said mites are selected from the group consisting of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Acarus Siro and wherein the polysorbate is one of the list consisting of sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monopalmitate, polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene 4 sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene 20 sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan monooleate and polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate.

7. The method for attracting mites according to claim 1, further comprising releasing the composition from a unit dosage applicator at an area dose ranging from 5 mL/m.sup.2 to 2000 mL/m.sup.2.

8. The method for attracting mites according to claim 2, further comprising releasing the composition from a unit dosage applicator at an area dose ranging from 5 mL/m.sup.2 to 2000 mL/m.sup.2.

9. The method for attracting mites according to claim 6, further comprising releasing the composition from a unit dosage applicator at an area dose ranging from 5 mL/m.sup.2 to 2000 mL/m.sup.2.

10. A method for attracting and holding mites, comprising the steps of: a) providing a sheet having a thickness of at least 1 mm and having interstices sufficiently large to hold mites, wherein a sheet having interstices sufficiently large to hold mites is defined as a sheet having pore sizes from less than 1 mm up to 5 mm; and b) applying on said sheet a composition comprising an attracting agent, wherein said attracting agent is lavandulol in a concentration of from 0.0000001% (v/v) to 0.0095% (v/v) for attracting mites, wherein the composition is applied to the sheet in a concentration per area of the sheet ranging from 5 mL/m.sup.2 to 2000 mL/m.sup.2.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of contacting said sheet before step a) or after step b) with an object, wherein said sheet is not put directly on a human or on an animal.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein said sheet is contacted with an object for up to 3 hours, after step b).

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein said sheet is contacted with an object for up to 2 hours, after step b).

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein said composition further comprises at least one additional attracting agent, where said additional attracting agent is a polysorbate in a concentration of from 0.0000001% (v/v) to 0.01% (v/v).

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising removing said sheet from said object, thereby eliminating the mites.

16. A sheet for attracting mites having a thickness of at least 1 mm and having interstices sufficiently large to hold mites, wherein the sheet having interstices sufficiently large to hold mites is defined as a sheet having pore sizes from less than 1 mm up to 5 mm, comprising a composition comprising an attracting agent, wherein said attracting agent is lavandulol in a concentration of from 0.0000001% (v/v) to 0.0095% (v/v) for attracting mites at a dose ranging from mL/m.sup.2 to 2000 mL/m.sup.2.

17. The sheet according to claim 16, wherein said sheet comprises from 0 to 100% polyester or comprises at least 30% to 100% of wool and/or cotton and from 0% to 70% viscose and/or polyester.

18. A kit for attracting mites comprising a composition comprising an attracting agent, wherein said attracting agent is lavandulol in a concentration of from 0.0000001% (v/v) to 0.0095% (v/v) and a sheet having a thickness of at least 1 mm and having interstices sufficiently large to hold mites, wherein a sheet having interstices sufficiently large to hold mites is defined as sheet having pore size from less than 1 mm up to 5 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0113] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an experimental set-up to analyze spontaneous movement of acarids. Number 1 designates the Petri dish. Number 2 designates a half circle. Number 3 represents a group of mites placed in the center of the Petri dish.

[0114] FIG. 2 is a drawing/photograph showing a Berlèse funnel. A funnel containing a mattress or a fabric according to the invention containing dust mites in placed under a heat source, such as an electric lamp. Animal escaping the desiccation of the mattress/fabric descend through a filter into a preservative liquid in a receptacle.

[0115] FIG. 3 is a histogram showing the compared efficiencies of various attracting agents, within different dilutions, with respect to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The histogram represents the percentage of mites choosing an attracting agent instead of water, as a function of various attracting compositions (comprising one or more attracting agents), within several dilutions (undiluted, 10.sup.−3, 10.sup.−6 or 10.sup.−9).

[0116] FIG. 4 is a histogram showing the compared efficiencies of various attracting agents, within different dilutions, with respect to Dermatophagoides farinae. The histogram represents the percentage of mites choosing an attracting agent instead of water, as a function of various attracting compositions (comprising one or more attracting agents), within several dilutions (undiluted, 10.sup.−3, 10.sup.−6 or 10.sup.−9).

[0117] FIG. 5 is a graph representing the effect of drying timing of mattresses containing Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mites on the efficiency of compositions containing one or more attracting agents. The graph represents the percentage of mites trapped by a fabric sprayed with compositions corresponding to the commercial product Acar'up (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), or with compositions containing citral (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), lavandulol (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6) and lavandulol and Tween 60 (both at a concentration of 0.5×10.sup.−6), as attracting agents, as a function of the drying time of the mattress.

[0118] FIG. 6 is a graph representing the effect of drying timing of mattresses containing Dermatophagoides farinae mites on the efficiency of compositions containing one or more attracting agents. The graph represents the percentage of mites trapped by a fabric sprayed with compositions corresponding to the commercial product Acar'up (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), or with compositions containing citral (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), lavandulol (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6) and lavandulol and Tween 60 (both at a concentration of 0.5×10.sup.−6), as attracting agents, as a function of the drying time of the mattress.

[0119] FIG. 7 is a graph representing the attracting efficiency of various compositions containing one or more attracting agents, as a function of time of application of the sheet on an object containing Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus mites. The graph represents the percentage of mites trapped by a fabric sprayed with compositions corresponding to the commercial product Acar'up (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), or with compositions containing citral (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), lavandulol (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6) and lavandulol and Tween 60 (both at a concentration of 0.5×10.sup.−6), as attracting agents, as a function of the exposure time to the attracting composition.

[0120] FIG. 8 is a graph representing the attracting efficiency of various compositions containing one or more attracting agents, as a function of time of application of the sheet on an object containing Dermatophagoides farinae mites. The graph represents the percentage of mites trapped by a fabric sprayed with compositions corresponding to the commercial product Acar'up (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), or with compositions containing citral (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6), lavandulol (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6) and lavandulol and Tween 60 (both at a concentration of 0.5×10.sup.−6), as attracting agents, as a function of the exposure time to the attracting composition.

[0121] FIG. 9 is a graph representing the attracting efficiency of a 5 minutes time exposure of a composition comprising lavandulol diluted at 10.sup.−6. The graph represents the percentage of mites trapped by a fabric sprayed with compositions, as a function of the days of exposure to the attracting composition.

[0122] FIG. 10 is a set of graphs showing the percentage of dead mites after 24 hours of inhalation of lavandulol at different concentrations (0.18 μL, 3 μL or 8 μL of pure solution) or water (Ctrl). Four species of mites were tested: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP), Dermatophagoides farinae (DF), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP) and Acarus siro (AS).

[0123] FIGS. 11A-11D are sets of graphs showing the percentage of dead mites after direct contact with different doses of lavandulol (at a dilution of 10.sup.−6, 0.184 of pure solution or 0.5 μL of pure solution) or water (Ctrl) for different time of exposure. Four species of mites were tested: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (FIG. 11A), Dermatophagoides farinae (FIG. 11B), Tyrophagus putrescentiae (FIG. 11C) and Acarus siro (FIG. 11D).

EXAMPLES

[0124] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

Example 1: Physical and Chemical Factors Affecting the Choice of Mites

[0125] Aim of the experiments: All experiments are tests of binary choice aiming to determine the preference of mites and the place where they prefer to stay (at least for 30 min).

[0126] Rearing: The species studied was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, a dust mite common in mattresses in Eurasia. Mites are reared in Petri dishes and fed with human skin flakes (skin and whiskers obtained by cleaning electric shavers). All mites were reared together under defined conditions (20° C. and 75% relative humidity). The experiments took place in a room kept at 20° C. and 40% relative humidity.

[0127] Materials and methods: A group of mites (20<n<40) was placed in the center of a Petri dish (ø5.5 cm) around which two semi-circles of felt were placed (see FIG. 1). The pieces of felts were 70 mg/cm.sup.2, their thickness was 2 mm. One felt is the control (control felt), for instance impregnated with water; the other felt is the felt with the tested item, for instance the felt that is impregnated with a chemical compound that is tested.

[0128] Mites move spontaneously towards one of the two felts. The number of mites that prefer to go to one side or another was counted and the distribution of these data was compared to a situation where mites have the choice between two identical pieces of felts (Kolmogorov-Smimov tests).

[0129] Observations and counting of mites was made under binocular microscope (magnification 10×). The set-up is illuminated with a cold lamp (KL 1500 LCD, Schott .circle-solid.), the lighting is symmetric and the light intensity was 50Klux. The experimental conditions were controlled in the room (T° C.: 19-22° C. and RH 40%).

Experiment 1

[0130] Aim of the experiment: Mites can choose between felts that are moistened differently.

[0131] Materials and methods: The control piece of felt was at 40% RH (20° C., the conditions of the laboratory). The tested felts were at 40, 75, 85 and 100% humidity. To obtain felts at 75 and 85% humidity, the felts were placed, for at least one hour, in a room containing a radio-electronic humidifier (Brown B500, accuracy±2° HR) humidifying the atmosphere at 75 and 85% respectively. The humidity of the room was regularly controlled with a thermohygrometer (Oregon). To obtain tested felts at 100% RH, felts were simply soaked in water.

[0132] Results: The mites were less attracted or repelled by a felt moistened at 40 and 75% (Table 1). When the felt was at 80% RH and 100%, it became repulsive for mites. The same results are obtained with Dermatophagoides farinae.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Influence of humidity on the choice of mites. Tested felt that are Nb of stat Standard at a defined HR % Control felt trials Test Mean deviation felt at 100% HR felt at 40% HR 30 SD 0.01 0.02 felt at 85% HR felt at 40% HR 30 SD 0.35 0.13 felt at 75% HR felt at 40% HR 30 NS 0.48 0.15 felt at 40% HR Felt at 40% HR 30 Control 0.48 0.12 SD: Statistically different. NS: Non-statistically different.

Experiment 2

[0133] Aim of the experiments: Similar experiments were performed to determine the density of the felt preferred by mites.

[0134] Materials and methods: Mites choose between a felt of different density. All tested and control felts were impregnated with 1 μI of a solution comprising citral in a concentration of about 0.000096% (v/v). The solution used for testing the felt density was prepared as a 10.sup.−6 dilution from a 96% pure citral stock solution (Merck chemicals Ltd; catalog No. 802489).

[0135] Results. The felt that was more attracting for mites has a density of 20 mg/cm.sup.2 (Table 2).

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Influence of the density of the felt on the choice of mites. Nb of Test Standard Tested felt Control felt trials stat Mean deviation Felt with density Felt with density 30 SD 0.63 0.17 20 mg/cm.sup.2 70 mg/cm.sup.2 Felt with density Felt with density 30 SD 0.32 0.14 10 mg/cm.sup.2 20 mg/cm.sup.2 SD: Statistically different. NS: Non-statistically different.

Experiment 3

[0136] Similar experimental set-ups were realized with colored felt and white felt.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Influence of the color of the felt and the color combined with the active compound. Nb of Test Standard Test Tested felt Control felt trials stat Mean deviation Color dark blue felt white felt 30 SD 0.63 0.17 compound blue felt + white felt + 18 SD 0.84 0.14 and color 1 μl attracting 1 μl H.sub.2O agent (dil 10.sup.−6) SD: Statistically different. NS: Non-statistically different.

[0137] Results: The mites preferably migrated towards the blue felt. In combination with citral, a migration of 84% of the mites toward the blue felt was obtained.

Example 2: Chemical Factors Influencing the Efficiency of the Trap

Experiment 1

[0138] Rearing: The species studied were Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, house dust mite common in mattresses in Eurasia. Mites are reared in Petri dishes and fed with human skin flakes (skin and whiskers obtained by cleaning electric shavers). All mites were reared together under defined conditions (20° C. and 75% relative humidity). The experiments took place in a room kept at 20° C. and 40% relative humidity.

[0139] Aim of the experiments: The aim was to test the trap in condition similar to the conditions that will be met by the user of the trap.

[0140] Materials and methods: The mattresses were built at a smaller scale (15× reduction) than usual mattresses. These mini-mattresses are made in polyurethane and covered by a cover in cotton. They were infested with mites since at least 3 months. The fabric was a felt of 20 mg/cm.sup.2 and is a rectangle of 10 cm×20 cm. It was placed on the mini-mattress. Then the attracting solution was sprayed on the fabric with a spray bottle. The fabric was left in place on the mattress during one hour. During this time, the mites moved in the felt.

[0141] It is very difficult to count directly the mites hidden in the mattress and in the fabric. Therefore, we used a Berlèse funnel which is a device that is usually used to separate insects from litter. Here, it was used to separate the mites from their mattress or from the fabric. The Berlèse funnel uses a light bulb to heat and dry the mattress, thus driving the mites downwards through a screen and into a collecting jar containing some food and some water.

[0142] The principle is simple: Dust mites do not like light or excessive heat. They are attracted by a source of moisture and the smell of food. The mattress or blanket were therefore placed in the funnel (FIG. 2). The mites went downwards in the direction of the jar, then in the jar. The harvest of the jar containing the mites took place after one day. Mites had then 24 hours to migrate to the jar collector.

[0143] As a substantial proportion of the population is immobile (moulting mites), trapping is less efficient than it would be otherwise and estimate of population size that is trapped are likely to be biased. To avoid this bias and make a proper assessment of the populations in infested mattresses, mattresses were carefully brushed with a soft brush at the end of the manipulation meaning that immobile mites and eggs also fall into the funnel. Fabric was carefully brushed too. The Berlèze funnel was rinsed with ethanol. Thus, mites still on the inner wall of the funnel were driven by ethanol in the jar collector.

[0144] At the end of the experiment, the jar contained: the food used as attracting to mites, a small amount of water also used for attracting, mites, and ethanol. The jar was emptied into a Petri dish and we counted mites under binocular. Counting of mites was made under binocular microscope (magnification 10×). The set-up is illuminated with a cold lamp (KL 1500 LCD, Schott .circle-solid.).

[0145] The felt was sprayed with different attracting compositions: a solution of lavandulol, a solution of Tween 60, a combination of lavandulol and Tween 60, a solution of citral, and the attracting solution commercialized under the brand name Acar'up were compared at various dilutions.

[0146] Results: The results are displayed in Tables 4 and 5, and in FIGS. 3 and 4.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Compared attraction capabilities of five attracting agents within several dilutions, with respect to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Tween Lavandulol + Dilution Acar’up Citral Lavandulol 60 Tween 60 Undiluted  4%  3%  8% 14% 22% 10.sup.−1 N/A N/A 34% N/A N/A 10.sup.−2 31% N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−3 38% 23% 56% 70% 84% 10.sup.−4 53% N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−5 43% N/A 91% N/A N/A 10.sup.−6 80% 76% 64% 78% 94%* 10.sup.−7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−8 N/A N/A 46% N/A N/A 10.sup.−9 54% 56% 55% 57% 68% N/A: Data non available; *results were obtained with a mixture of a solution of lavandulol at a dilution 10.sup.−6 and of a solution of Tween 60 at a dilution of 10.sup.−6. These results are represented in the graph of FIG. 3.

[0147] The diluted lavandulol solutions were prepared from a 95% pure lavandulol stock solution (Sigma-Aldrich, catalog No. 42583). The diluted Tween 60 solutions were prepared from an about 100% pure Tween 60 stock solution (Merck Chemicals Ltd., catalog No. 822186).

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Compared attraction capabilities of five attracting agents within several dilutions, with respect to Dermatophagoides farinae. Tween Lavandulol + Dilution Acar’up Citral Lavandulol 60 Tween 60 Undiluted  5%  5%  6%  7% 12% 10.sup.−1 N/A 49% N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−2 31% N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−3 42% 36% 57% 54% 67% 10.sup.−4 55% N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−5 N/A N/A 90% N/A N/A 10.sup.−6 55% 48% 71% 81% 95%* 10.sup.−7 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.sup.−8 N/A N/A 37% N/A N/A 10.sup.−9 39% 43% 28% 39% 54% N/A: Data non available; *results were obtained with a mixture of a solution of lavandulol at a dilution 10.sup.−6 and of a solution of Tween 60 at a dilution of 10.sup.−6. These results are represented in the graph of FIG. 4.

[0148] The diluted lavandulol solutions were prepared from a 95% pure lavandulol stock solution (Sigma-Aldrich, catalog No. 42583). The diluted Tween 60 solutions were prepared from a 100% pure Tween 60 stock solution (Merck Chemicals Ltd., catalog No. 822186).

[0149] According to these results, it appears that the most efficient attracting solutions are those comprising lavandulol and/or Tween 60, for both species of acarids.

Experiment 2

[0150] Similar conditions have been used for evaluating the influence of several different drying times of the mattress (from 0 hour up to 7 hours), such as to determine whether the drying time had an influence over mites attraction by the fabric that was impregnated with an attracting solution containing one or more attracting agents.

[0151] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Experiment 3

[0152] Similar conditions have been used for evaluating the influence of the exposure time, meaning the period of time during the fabric is placed on the mattress, such as to determine whether the exposure time had an influence over mites attraction by the fabric that was impregnated with an attracting solution containing one or more attracting agents, and also to determine whether the nature of the attracting agent had an influence on the required exposure time. Several different exposure times were tested (from 0 hour up to 7 hours), after having dried the mattress for 2 hours.

[0153] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in FIGS. 7 and 8. The fabric sprayed with the compositions of the invention (i.e. containing lavandulol and/or Tween 60) appear more efficient when placed on the mattress than the compositions of the prior art.

[0154] Further, as could be seen from FIGS. 7 and 8, compositions containing lavandulol and/or Tween 60 as attracting agents are most efficient as from the spraying.

Experiment 4

[0155] Similar experiments were performed to determine attractiveness of mites when an attracting solution comprising one or more attractive agents is exposed during a short time without drying time.

[0156] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in FIG. 9. From the first day of treatment with the attracting solution during 5 minutes, the percentage of mites attracted in the sheet is very high, indicating that this short time is sufficient for mites to migrate towards the sheet. At the second day, the percentage of mites attracted in the sheet is greatly reduced and continues to decrease the following days (from around 15% to around 0%), indicating a decreasing in mites' population in mattresses.

[0157] Therefore, compositions of the invention may also be used during a short exposure time for several consecutive days.

Example 3: Felt Compositions Influencing the Efficiency of the Trap

[0158] Aim of the experiments: Similar experiments were performed to determine the composition of the felt preferred by mites.

[0159] Materials and methods: Mites were allowed to choose between felts having different compositions. All tested and control felts were impregnated with 1 μl of a solution comprising Lavandulol (at a final dilution of 0.5×10.sup.−6) and Tween 60 (at a final dilution of 0.5×10.sup.−6) (see below).

[0160] Results. The corresponding results are displayed in Table 6. The felt that was more attracting for mites was made of plain cotton.

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Compared attraction capabilities of seven felt compositions drying + Dilution of trapped solution exposure Attracting lavandulol or Nb of living /200 cm.sup.2 time compounds Tween 60 trials mites 100% polyester 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 18% Tween 60 70% viscose/30% 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 21% wool Tween 60 30% viscose/70% 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 49% wool Tween 60 100% wool 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 69% Tween 60 70% viscose/30% 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 55% coton Tween 60 30% viscose/70% 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 70% coton Tween 60 100% coton 2 ml 2 h + 2 h Lavandulol + 0.5 × 10.sup.6 2 95% Tween 60

[0161] The diluted lavandulol solutions were prepared from a 95% pure lavandulol stock solution (Sigma-Aldrich, catalog No. 42583). The diluted Tween 60 solutions were prepared from a 100% pure Tween 60 stock solution (Merck Chemicals Ltd., catalog No. 822186).

Example 4: Elimination of the Mites from the Sheet

[0162] When the dust mites are in the fabric, to eliminate mites, the fabric is then placed in the washing machine. All mites were killed by water temperatures 55° C. or greater (in correlation with the results obtained by Mc Donald & Tovey 1992, Andersen & Roesen 1998). According to other authors, it is possible to achieve mite control in delicate garments by washing at low temperature in the presence of a mite control additive providing a final concentration of 0.03% benzyl benzoate (Bischoff et al 1998). After washing, when the fabric is dry, it can again be placed on another places with living mites, the fabric can be impregnated with the attracting solution by means of the disperser device and can be used once again to trap dust mites (Colloff 2009).

[0163] It is also possible to kill the mites in the fabric by killing them in a freezer. A temperature of −20° C. for 30 min achieved almost 100% mortality, indicating that a standard domestic freezer could be used for killing mites in relatively small items such as soft toys, pillows and items of clothing that cannot be hot washed. After the passage in the freezer, the user must shake the fabric to get rid of the dead dust mites (results in accordance with Colloff 2009).

Example 5: Analysis of the Attractiveness of Attractive Solutions on Stored Food Mites

Material and Methods

[0164] A group of mites (20<n<40) was placed in the center of a Petri dish (diameter 5.5 cm) around which two felt pieces (density of 70 mg/cm.sup.2, thickness of 2 mm) were placed equidistant. The first felt piece was impregnated with water and the other felt piece was impregnated with the lavandulol composition at different dilutions. The diluted lavandulol solutions were prepared from a 90-95% pure lavandulol stock solution (Phytolab, catalog No. 80887).

[0165] Mites moved spontaneously towards one of the two felt pieces. The number of mites migrating to one side or to the other side was counted and this distribution was compared to a situation where mites were placed in a Petri dish containing two felt pieces impregnated with water.

[0166] Observations, counting, and identification of mites' species were performed under binocular microscope (magnification 10×). The set-up is illuminated with a cold lamp (KL 1500 LCD, Schott .circle-solid.), the lighting is symmetric and the light intensity was 50Klux. The experimental conditions were controlled in the room (T° C.: 19-22° C. and RH 40%).

[0167] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in Tables 7 and 8.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Attractiveness efficiency of attractants in different concentrations on the stored food mite species Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Number of mites on the felt piece impregnated with the lavandulol Dilution composition Undiluted  2% 10.sup.−3 34% 10.sup.−6 44% 10.sup.−7 48% 10.sup.−9 38% 10.sup.−12 47% 10.sup.−13 49% 10.sup.−14 69% 10.sup.−15 63% 10.sup.−16 60%

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Attractiveness efficiency of attractants in different concentrations on the stored food mite species Acarus siro. Number of mites on the felt piece impregnated with the lavandulol Dilution composition Undiluted 1.1% 10.sup.−3  44% 10.sup.−6  48% 10.sup.−9  40% 10.sup.−12  55% 10.sup.−14  54% 10.sup.−16  50%

[0168] According to the results, it appears that the lavandulol attractive solution efficiently attracts mites when at least at a dilution of 10.sup.−3, and even more at least at a dilution of 10.sup.−6. On the contrary, an undiluted solution of lavandulol fails to attract mites.

[0169] These results also show that the composition of the invention attracts stored food mites.

Example 6: Analysis of the Attractiveness of Attractive Solutions on Dog's Basket Mites

Material and Methods

[0170] Seven baskets of dogs with atopic dermatitis were tested for the attractive solution of the invention. First, removable blankets or pillows have been removed of dog's baskets and washed in a washing machine at 60° C. Baskets were then aerated for 5 hours. Sheets of the invention were placed on the baskets and the attractant solution at a dilution of 10.sup.−6 was sprayed on it at 2 applications per square.

[0171] After 2 hours, baskets and sheets were vacuumed separately, each with a vacuum in which a nylon filter was inserted into a collector attached to the vacuum tube (Sheet 1 and Basket 1). Filters were then each transferred in a Petri dish to count the number of mites on sheets and on baskets. The experimental conditions were controlled in the room (T° C.: 19-22° C. and RH 40%).

[0172] This procedure (basket aeration, sheet vaporization and basket vacuuming) was repeated after one week (Sheet 2 and Basket 2), and after two weeks (Sheet 3 and Basket 3).

[0173] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in Tables 9 to 11.

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Average number of mites in the sheets (after vaporization of attractive solution) or in the baskets, after one utilization (sheet 1 and basket 1), two utilizations (sheet 2 and basket 2) and 3 utilizations (sheet 3 and basket 3). Number Average of number Standard samples of mites deviation Sheet 1 4 24 11.9 Sheet 2 5  7 4.8 Sheet 3 4 21 24.1 Basket 1 7  3 6.9 Basket 2 6  4 7.3 Basket 3 5  3 4.5

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Efficiency of attractive solution after each utilization. Percentage of mites Average percentage of removed from the mites removed from basket the basket First utilization 91 81 (S1 versus S1 + B1) Second utilization 64 (S2 versus S2 + B2) Third utilization 88 (S3 versus S3 + B3)

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Identification of mites found in sheets or dog’s baskets. Taxonomy Cheylitidae Dermatophagoides sp. Tyrophagus sp. Acaridae Basket 0% 12%  7% 1% Sheet 1% 25% 48% 5%

[0174] These results show that the composition of the invention is efficient to remove mites from animals' baskets, such as dogs' baskets, with an efficacy between 64 and 91% (Tables 9 and 10).

[0175] Among mites found in dogs' baskets, dust mites (Dermatophagoides sp.) and stored food mites (Tyrophagus sp. And Acaridae) have been identified (Table 11). Therefore, the attractive solution attracts house dust mites as well as stored food mites.

[0176] Moreover, some of the dogs have seen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis significantly reduced after only three utilizations of the composition of the invention.

Example 7: Analysis of the Toxicity of the Attractive Compounds

Material and Methods

[0177] The species studied were two species of dust common in mattresses in Eurasia (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), and two species of stored food mites common in Eurasia (Tyrophagus putrescentiae and Acarus siro). These four species were reared under defined conditions (20° C. and 75% relative humidity). The house dust mites were fed with human flakes (skin and whiskers obtained by cleaning electric shavers) and stored food mites were fed with fish food. The experiments were performed at 20° C. and 40% relative humidity.

[0178] Experiment 1: Indirect Contact

[0179] For each of the four species, a group of a mites (10<n<25) was placed in a Petri dish (diameter 5.5 cm). This dish was then recovered by a filter paper that enabled gas-exchange and placed into another dish (diameter 9 cm), in which was placed a piece of paper filter (5×1 cm) impregnated with lavandulol at various concentration (0.18 μL, 3 μL, or 8 μL of pure solution, corresponding respectively to 0.15 mg, 2.5 mg or 6.67 mg of lavandulol), or with water. The bigger of the two dishes was then covered.

[0180] After 24 hours, the number of dead mites were counted. The death of a mite was determined by reaction to a stimulation with a needle: lack of reaction and the persistence of immobility indicated death. This experiment was repeated three times with the four species.

[0181] Observations and counting of mites were made under binocular microscope (magnification 10×). The set-up is illuminated with a cold lamp (KL 1500 LCD, Schott .circle-solid.), the lighting is symmetric and the light intensity was 50Klux. The experimental conditions were controlled in the room (T° C.: 19-22° C. and RH 40%).

[0182] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in FIG. 10.

[0183] Pure lavandulol volumes of 3 μL and 8 μL cause high mortality for all species. On the contrary, lavandulol volume of 0.18 μL is not lethal for mites (FIG. 10). Therefore, at this dosage and below, lavandulol is not acaricidal by inhalation.

Experiment 2: Direct Contact

[0184] For this experiment, for each of the four species, a group of mites (10<n<25) was placed in a Petri dish in direct contact with the substance to test. To directly contact mites with the substance, a piece of paper filter (5×1 cm) impregnated with lavandulol at various concentration (10 μL of a 10.sup.−6 dilution, 0.18 μL of pure solution and 0.5 μL of pure solution, corresponding respectively to 8.8 ng, 0.15 mg or 0.417 mg of lavandulol), or with a neutral solution, was placed in the Petri dish. The dish was then closed with Parafilm.circle-solid..

[0185] After a determined time (15 min, 1 hour or 24 hours), the number of dead mites were counted as previously described.

[0186] Results: The corresponding results are displayed in FIG. 11.

[0187] According to these results, it appears that the composition comprising lavandulol at a 10.sup.−6 dilution doesn't cause death of mites by indirect contact, for all species (FIG. 11A-D).

[0188] By contrast, pure solutions (0.18 μL and 0.5 μL) lead to mites' death after only 1 hour, all mites being died after 24 hours (FIG. 11A-C), except for the species Acarus siro for which 97% of mites died after only 1 hour (FIG. 11D).

[0189] Taken together, results of experiments 1 and 2 demonstrate that at the concentration of the invention, the composition comprising lavandulol according to the invention attracts acarids but does not kill them.

References

[0190] Colloff “Dust mites”, CSIRO Entomology, 2009, ISBN 9780643065895. [0191] Sonenshine D. E., 1985 «Pheromones and other semiochemicals of the acari» Annual Reviews. 30: 1-28. [0192] Mc Donald L. G., Tovey E. 1992. The role of water temperature and laundry procedures in reducing house dust mite populations and allergen content of bedding. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Vol. 90, 599-608. [0193] Andersen A. & Roesen J. 1998. House dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and its allergens: effects of washing. [0194] Bischoff, Fischer, Liebenberg, Kniest. 1998. Mite control with low temperature washing-II Elimination of living mites on clothing. Clinical and Experimental allergy, vol 28, 60-65.