Mint essential oil: A natural and effective agent for controlling house dust mites

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 20; no. 2; p. e0318639
• Main Authors: Cai, Haiming, Zhang, Xu, Lin, Zhibin, Li, Shanshan, Lin, Huiquan, Lin, Yongwen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 06.02.2025; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Acaricides - chemistry; Acaricides - pharmacology; Acyclic Monoterpenes; Animals; Bioassays; Biology and Life Sciences; Chemical pest control; Control; Cotton; Distillation; Dust; Effectiveness; Essential oils; Ethanol; Hazard assessment; Health aspects; House dust; House-dust mite; Humidity; Linalool; Medicine and Health Sciences; Mentha - chemistry; Mint oils; Mites; Mortality; Oils & fats; Oils, Volatile - chemistry; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Pest control; Pesticides; Physical Sciences; Plant Oils - chemistry; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Prevention; Pyroglyphidae - drug effects; Research and Analysis Methods; Steam distillation; Toxic hazards; Toxicity; China
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318639

Conventional methods of house dust mite control often involve chemical pesticides, raising concerns about their potential hazards. Mint essential oil presents a natural and eco-friendly alternative for managing house dust mite infestations. In this study, ten varieties of mint plants were cultivated, and their essential oils were extracted through steam distillation. The toxicity of these mint essential oils and their main compounds on adult house dust mites was assessed using contact+fumigant mortality bioassays and vapour-phase mortality bioassays. A repellent bioassay was also conducted to evaluate the repellent effects of mint oils and main compound on house dust mites. The toxicity of mint essential oils varied among the different varieties, with some demonstrating higher potency in eradicating house dust mites. Mint oils showed both acaricidal action and repellent effects on house dust mites, with certain varieties exhibiting stronger efficacy. Linalool as active compounds was identified as key contributors to the acaricidal properties of mint essential oil. Mint essential oil, particularly certain varieties rich in active compounds, shows promise as a natural and effective agent for controlling house dust mites. Its dual functionality in killing and repelling house dust mites, along with its environmentally friendly nature, make it a viable alternative to chemical pesticides for house dust mite management. Further research on the specific mechanisms of action and long-term effectiveness of mint essential oil in house dust mite control is warranted to explore its full potential as a sustainable pest management solution.