The invention is a polymeric composition and a method of forming a
composition in which a pesticidal desiccant is homogeneously dispersed
throughout the polymer. The desiccant is of appropriate size to be
incorporated into a polymer melt for eventually forming articles, such as
melt spun fibers, from the polymer-desiccant mix. The desiccant may be
embedded throughout the body of an article, particularly fibers, produced
pursuant to this invention. Silicon dioxide based desiccants that are
present within the polymer matrix in an amount between about 0.1 and 2.5
weight percent are useful to provide absorptive properties pursuant to
this invention. The desiccant dehydrates the microscopic reservoirs of
moisture on which pests, such as a dust mite, survive. In this regard,
the invention prevents pests from infesting and thriving on articles
formed of the desiccant enhanced polymeric composition.