A Hygrothermal Model for Predicting House-Dust Mite Response to Environmental Conditions in Dwellings

House-dust mite antigens are a major contributor to allergic sensitisation. Since temperature and humidity are crucial to house-dust mite physiology, there is considerable interest in reducing mite populations by controlling the indoor environment. A multidisciplinary team of building scientists and entomologists has been formed to develop a prototype hygrothermal model that simulates the dynamic interaction between the mite\'s micro-environment within bedding and the room environment, based on laboratory tests and field study measurements. Combined with a dynamic model of mite physiology, this can be used to predict mite response to changes, e.g. in building fabric, the heating/ventilation regime or occupant behaviour. In this way the most effective and applicable measures for mite control can be determined. The model will be developed for potential use by practitioners as a simplified predictive tool