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The Symptoms of Bed Mites

For something you can't see, bed mites, also known as dust mites, can cause a lot of trouble. These tiny bugs cause big allergy flare-ups. Fortunately, you can help get rid of bugs, and what they leave behind, by cleaning up and taking some household precautions. Medication can ease remaining problems.

  1. Identification

    • Bed mites are tiny insects---viewable only through a microscope---that eat dead skin cells. They get a great source of these cells from humans and pets.

    Allergies

    • Bed mites don't carry diseases, but people can be allergic to their droppings. Symptoms include watery eyes, running nose, sneezing, itching and asthma attacks.

    Areas

    • Bed mites tend to congregate where there's a lot of skin---couches, rugs, mattresses and pillows. Treating these areas can help ease allergies.

    Prevention

    • You can help prevent allergy flare-ups by getting the mites where they live---wash your sheets and blankets often and vacuum rugs. Putting a mattress cover on a mattress can help keep droppings away from you.

    Treatment

    • Antihistamines and nasal sprays can help ease symptoms of bed mite allergies. Bronchodilators can help people with asthma.

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