The effects of physical factors on survival of stored food mites

The effects of physical factors (low barometric pressure, high and low temperature, light) on survival of stored food mites (Acaridae: Acarus siro L., Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank), Aleuroglyphus ovatus (Troupeau), Caloglyphus berlesei (Michael); Glycyphagidae: Glycyphagus domesticus De Geer; Carpoglyphidae: Carpoglyphus lactis (L.); Pyroglyphidae: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Troupeau); Cheyletidae: Cheyletus eruditus (Schrank) were studied. C. lactis was the most resistant species-most specimens (85%) of this species survived the longest exposure (96 h) to the lowest pressure (95 mm Hg) tested. It showed 100% mortality only after 80 h exposure to -15°C and it was able to withstand 45°C for about 1 h. Mites from the family Acaridae were killed by low pressure of 95 mm Hg after an exposure of only 48 h and after 1 h exposure to -15°C. Constant light has unfavourable effects on development and reproduction of the flour mite, A. siro.Our results may have some practical implications. Vacuum of 190 mm Hg will protect the food against the mites. Also low temperature -15°C could be used to control mites in seed.