Acaricidal effect of three zeolite formulations on different life stages of Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) and Acarus siro L. (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae)

The mould mite, Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) and the flour mite, Acarus siro L. (Sarcoptiformes: Acaridae) are very common stored-product mites found in a wide spectrum of commodities of both plant and animal origin. In this study, we evaluated three zeolite formulations as stored-wheat protectants regarding the management of larvae, nymphs and adults of T. putrescentiae and A. siro at different exposure intervals, i.e., 1, 2, and 5 days (d), and doses, i.e., 200, 500, and 1000 ppm. We found that the zeolite formulations tested here can be effective for the control of both stored-product mite species. Mortality of all stages of T. putrescentiae and A. siro was considerably affected by dose and exposure intervals, i.e. the higher the dose and the longer the exposure time, the greater the mortality. Nevertheless, 100% mortality was not recorded on any of the life stages and formulations tested, even in the case of the highest dose and the longest exposure interval. All zeolite formulations provided the same efficacy level, which was similar for immature stages and adults of both mite species. The results of the present study suggest that longer exposures of the evaluated zeolite formulations are required to increase the efficacy on the control of T. putrescentiae and A. siro.