What Are Some Treatments for Dust Mites?

Dust mites are microscopic mites that feed on dead skin left behind by humans and their pets. They are impossible to see but live in our furniture, bedding, carpets and other frequently used places in our homes. For most people, dust mites mean nothing more than a few unpleasant thoughts when contemplating them, but for 10 percent of people, they can mean allergic reactions and asthma.

Symptoms

• There are many symptoms associated with dust mite allergies including itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny nose, blocked sinuses, respiratory problems, eczema and sometimes even asthma.
  Most people have some kind of reaction when stirring up dust during cleaning but dust also contains other allergens like pet dander, cigarette ash, mold spores and pollen. To find out if you are allergic to dust mites, consult an allergist for a proper diagnosis.

Types

• There are two types of house dust mites found in North America: The North American House Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes) and the European House Dust Mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus). These mites are microscopic and can't usually be seen with the naked eye. They live about three to four weeks from birth to death but are continuously being replaced.

Conditions

• House dust mites need warm and humid temperatures to survive which is why they are most prevalent in sleeping areas of humans and pets. They feed on dead human skin, pollen, fungi, bacteria and animal dander. Humans continually shed skin and lose about 1/5 oz. of dead skin each week, much of it while we are sleeping. Warm beds from body heat, moisture lost from our skin and an abundance of sustenance makes mattresses and pillows ideal hosts for dust mites.

Mite Control

• Encase your mattress and bedding in allergen-impermeable covers. This includes your comforter, blankets and pillows. The small weave of the fabric or the unbreathable plastic that these covers are made from will prevent you from inhaling the allergens.
  Wash your bedding regularly in hot water. Change the sheets weekly and wash sheets, blankets, pillow cases and duvet covers in hot water (130 degrees F) to kill the mites. If you can't wash your bedding in hot water, warm water will reduce the number of mites but not kill them. Since new mites are being produced every three weeks, weekly washing is critical to controlling the population.
  Use a dust mite treatment in your carpets and on your furniture (see Resources below). Use a dehumidifier. Dust mites need humidity to thrive. Reduce the humidity of your home with a dehumidifier in your bedroom and other living areas.

Dust Control

• Remove the allergens by vacuuming regularly. Vacuum your mattress, furniture, drapes and pet bedding on a regular basis. This won't kill the mites but it will remove the allergens they leave behind.
  Dust regularly. Dust flat surfaces of furniture and places like bookshelves where dust accumulates. Use a damp cloth or a cloth with furniture polish to prevent the dust from becoming airborne and resettling.
  Use an air purifier. Air purifiers can remove a lot of the dust from the air. It's a good idea to have one where you sleep and in rooms where you spend the most time.