Chances are you haven’t seen them, but if you have lived in your home for any length of time, be assured that dust mites are lurking nearby. If left untreated, they can contribute to the buildup of allergens that can create all kinds of issues for those sensitive to allergies.
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are tiny, almost microscopic pests that live on the various fabric surfaces of the home, including bedding, furniture, curtains, clothing and carpet. They feast on the dead skin cells that human beings naturally shed and are found in common household dust.
Because every home has dust, almost every home has some kind of detectable dust mite infestation. There are some specific things that you can do to minimize the effect these tiny critters have.
Dangers of Dust Mites
While dust mites are not parasitic insects, in that they do not bite the skin like fleas or bed bugs, they do release all kinds of nasty allergens into the air. Dust mites can reproduce so prolifically that there are likely millions of them infesting fabric services that cannot be washed regularly. The typical dust mite can produce over 200 times its body weight in allergens and typically these pests thrive in moist, humid conditions like our mattresses.
The dangers of dust mites can range in symptoms depending on the sensitivity of the allergies of the individual who is suffering. The following are some of the dangers of dust mites according to the American Lung Association.
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Sneezing or dry cough
- Upper respiratory conditions
- Asthma Attacks
- Congestion
People who are hypersensitive to allergies and those who live with respiratory conditions like COPD can be extremely affected by the infestation of dust mites.
How to Get Rid of Dust and Dust Mites
While you cannot ever completely get rid of dust mites, there are several things a person can do to minimize their impact.
- Clean Your Home Regularly – A thoroughly cleaned home with regular dusting of all surfaces and laundering of fabrics like bedding can help eliminate dust mites. All bedding should be washed in hot water on at least a weekly basis, with mattresses cleaned regularly.
- Reduce Humidity in Your Home – Dust mites thrive in moist humid areas which is why they prefer surfaces like mattresses and carpets. If you live in a humid area, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity level below 50%.
- Eliminate Carpeting – Severe sufferers should consider replacing carpeting with hardwood laminate flooring. Less porous surfaces can be maintained more easily and dusted regularly to minimize the level of dust in a home.
- Increase the HVAC filter in Your Furnace – Your HVAC filtering system can go a long way to spreading dust mites throughout the home. Don’t try to save a few pennies by using cheaper filters.
- Lower Your Thermostat – While cooler temperatures in the home will not eliminate dust mites, it can affect how quickly they breed. A cooler environment is often a less humid one and can help to minimize infestations.
- Consider wrapping your mattress and box spring in plastic linings – Because dust mites live in the fabric of mattresses and furniture – wrapping the fabric surface cuts off the food source for dust mites. Plastic is easier to care for, as a simple dusting or wiping with a household cleaner can eliminate any issues.
What Kills Dust Mites Naturally?
There are a variety of natural options to use to help control and even eliminate dust mites. Baking soda can be sprinkled onto the carpet, over furniture and bedding. Then it can be vacuumed to help eliminate dust mite infestation. Keeping pets from sleeping in bed with you will also reduce a person’s exposure. Dust mites feed on pet dander.
Dust mites also like to congregate on plush toys. If possible, wrap the toy in plastic and freeze it for a few hours to kill any dust mites present. Wash in hot water to completely remove the bugs.
Dust Mite Myths
Over the years, lots and lots of myths have surfaced about dust mites. At times, they get too much credit. Let’s see if we can separate the facts from fiction by looking at three basic myths.
- I Can Feel Dust Mites on my Body –Because dust mites are so tiny (you need a high-powered microscope to be able to even see them) there is no way for a person to feel them crawling all over you. Fleas and bedbugs do crawl on the body, but dust mites are impossible to see with the naked eye.
- I Can See Dust Mites Flying Around – while sweeping with a dry broom can stir up dust, it’s not the dust mites you are seeing. It is the dust that the pests live in. Dust Mites do not have wings so it is impossible to see them flying around.
- Dust Mites are chewing through the cover on my mattress – Sealing a mattress in plastic cuts off the basic food source for dust mites.
- Dust Mites are Being Spread by My Vacuum – Most current vacuums have such high-quality filters that they capture any dust mites present. It is not likely that these pests are being spread by your vacuum.
How To Keep Dust Mites Away?
While it is impossible to eliminate dust mites, a regular cleaning schedule for the home is perhaps the best way to minimize the number of dust mites that pervade the home. Regular maintenance of HVAC filtration systems and the purchase of plastic coverings for all furniture also can help. If a pet is in the home, consider making the pet an outdoor one as indoor dogs and cats can produce lots and lots of pet dander, which dust mites love.
Basic home hygiene is the secret to reducing allergens in the home. For those who suffer from asthma and other upper respiratory conditions, anything that improves the air quality inside the home will go a long way to reducing the dangers of dust mites and will improve the quality of life.
