In your quest to banish dust mites from your home, you may have come across recommendations on benzyl benzoate. Before you start using it to kill the pests, you’ll need to be aware of possible side effects and proclaimed effectiveness.

What Is Benzyl Benzoate?

Benzyl benzoate is an organic compound with the molecular formula C14H12O2. This compound is formulated after the condensation process of benzoic acid with benzyl alcohol. It has a sweet-balsamic odor and is available in the form of viscous liquid.

The compound is used as the most effective medication for the treatment of scabies in dogs. Scabies, a skin infection, is caused by the mite called sarcoptes scabiei. Benzyl benzoate effectively kills the lice and thus helps in soothing severe itching and red spots.

You’ll also find that benzyl benzoate is used as a pediculicide. Pediculosis is the infestation of adults of lice, its larvae or eggs on the hairy parts of the body including head, pubic area; and on the unsanitized clothing. Benzyl benzoate along with lindane is used for its treatment.

It also acts as a poisonous chemical for ticks and mites, making it perfect to use as an acaricide in veterinary hospitals. This chemical compound is often used as an active ingredient in mite killing products. Overall, benzyl benzoate is an excellent repellant for ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers.

Is Benzyl Benzoate Effective In Killing Dust Mites? 

Benzyl benzoate is scientifically proved to be effective in reducing the exposure of house dust mites. Lesser the exposure of the house dust mites, greater will be the allergen avoidance; hence allergen sensitive people may benefit from the compound.

Scientific studies have shown that even less concentrated benzyl benzoate can help you get rid of the house dust mites. However,  you’ll need to use it at least three to four times a year, as frequent use of benzyl benzoate will keep you protected from ticks, mites, and all such organisms.

A study conducted at the University of British Columbia revealed that in addition to using hypoallergenic mattresses and other bedding products, the inclusion of benzyl benzoate in the cleaning process can significantly reduce the level of house dust mites.

As benzyl benzoate is efficient in killing the house dust mites, that is why it is added as one of the fundamental ingredients in most of the marketed products to remove dust mites.

Side Effects Of Benzyl Benzoate Exposure

Though the efficacy of benzyl benzoate against house dust mites is scientifically approved, it is highly recommended to study the side effects of it as well to remain perfectly protected during its use.

One of the major concerns with the use of benzyl benzoate is irritation and burning sensation on the skin. You may experience itching or rash on the skin after its use. And in severe cases, it may cause allergic skin reactions. That is why it is highly recommended to not apply the concentrated form of benzyl benzoate on the skin.

Moreover, when you are spraying it over your bedding products, drapes, or carpet then the use of gloves will secure your skin from exposure.

How To Use Benzyl Benzoate To Kill Dust Mites In Carpet?


Carpet is one of the most favorite places for dust mites to grow. The small fibers of carpets attract dust, pet dander, and the skin humans normally shed. The dead skin flakes will eventually be the food source of dust mites.

This is why it’s important to thoroughly lean the carpets.

Benzyl benzoate can efficiently help you achieve that. Studies have shown that the most effective method of killing dust mites from carpets is using benzyl benzoate in the moist form.  Although powdered benzyl alcohol can also do the trick, it is less effective.

For this, spread moist benzyl benzoate all over the carpet and continually brush it for about 12 hours. And then thoroughly clean it. It is recommended to repeat this procedure after every 2 to 3 months to keep the level of mites in control.

Alternative Remedies For Dust Mites Control

  • Frequent steam cleaning the carpets can reduce the chances of house dust mites stay by up to 87%.
  • Washing bed linens with hot water, at temperature 130°F or higher, effectively kills dust mites.
  • A dehumidifier can control the humidity level. House dust mites best thrive in 50% or higher humidity levels. So, keeping the humidity below this threshold by installing dehumidifiers can control/ stop the growth of dust mites. With the stoppage of their growth, it will be feasible for you to kill the dust mites completely.
  • Essential oils come under the umbrella of the best natural methods to get rid of allergens, such as house dust mites. A frequent spray of any of the highly recommended essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon, or lavender can keep your place safe from dust mites and other allergens.
  • Using hypoallergenic bedding material including pillow, mattress, and mattress cover can keep you safe from dust mites, and other microbes.

Final Thoughts

It turns out that benzyl benzoate is a potent solution for dust mites. However, you’ll want to avoid having contact with the chemical as there could be side effects.