Controlling effects of waterproof paint on erythraeid mite Balaustium murorum

Abstract

The erythraeid mite, Balaustium murorum, is a nuisance in the urban areas of Tokyo because of its mass emergence. However, there are few mites on waterproofed roofs of buildings. The water-proof paints seem to prohibit the distribution of the mite. We researched the effects of the water-proof urethane paint on the mite. There were significantly fewer wandering mites on the painted sheets of galvanized steel than on the untreated sheets for three years after painting. No dead or inactive mites were found after exposing them on the painted surface for 24 hours. We painted concrete blocks on a roof where many mites were observed. There were fewer mites on the painted blocks than on untreated ones. The water-proof paint did not lose its effect until three years after painting. Coating with water-proof urethane paint is a useful method of controlling the mite.