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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to produce a safer microcapsules loaded with clove and thyme oils to reduce the population of house dust mites (HDM). In the study, gelatin-based microcapsules with sizes of 4 to 85 m were created with agitation speed and type of oil playing critical role in governing the size of microcapsules. Microcapsules made up of single spherical units of less than 30 m stayed individually on the fiber, whereas larger microcapsules of over 30 m ruptured or aggregated. Through AATCC mortality tests against Dermaphagoides farinae on the fabric, clove oil containing more phenolic monoterpenoids (eugenol) was more effective in reducing the number of live HDM (94% mortality). Clove bud oils from safe and natural sources can be alternative materials for controlling the population of HDM.