Mite killer comes under scrutiny

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Control products based on diatomaceous earth have become an essential weapon for producers in their battle with red mite.

But despite being based on a naturally occurring substance—fossil phytoplankton—dredged from the seabed, the EU has determined that these products must now be registered as a biocide.

Although diatomaceous earth has a physical effect on mites—the amorphous silica absorbing the protective waxy layer leading to dehydration—EU experts have agreed that the product acts by chemical action. As a result of the decision all products containing diatomaceous earth must now be registered under the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD).

The first stage in this process is a review of the active substance, Murray Hyden, managing director of Agil which markets Mitex, explained to the Ranger.

Agil is working with a consortium of diatomaceous earth marketing organisations and has submitted a dossier to the relevant authorities. This is a generic dossier covering several products and the fees will be split between participating members of the consortium. Diatomaceous earth products not included in the dossier will no longer be permitted for sale after 2007.

Mr Hyden is confident that the product will get clearance for continued use in mite control but warned that it would inevitably lead to an increase in price.

"Because diatomaceous earth will now be recognised as an active substance for using in products on the UK market, the industry will be required to pay the General Industry Charge, which will impact on the retail price," he told the Ranger.

Evaluation of the product will involve assessing any health and safety implications associated with its use, a concern which the Ranger has highlighted in the past.