House Dust Mites - They're Everywhere!

House dust mites are in every home. They are microscopic bugs that eat dead skin cells. Things like mattresses and furniture often collect dead skin cells, making them a perfect home for dust mites. 100,000 of them can live in a single square yard of carpet. In a two year old pillow, ten percent of its weight can consist of dead mites and mite droppings.

Many people are allergic to dust mite droppings. Droppings can be anything from itchy eyes to an asthma attack. Just one dust mite can produce 20 droppings each day.

There are several ways to control dust mites and the allergies they cause. A mattress can contain thousands, so enclose it with a plastic cover after thoroughly vacuuming it and the base of your bed. Dust mite-proof sheets can also be found. Also, wash your sheets in hot water every two weeks at the least. Hot means at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Pillowcases should be washed at least once a week.

Any fabric that can't be washed in hot water can be frozen. One to two days in the freezer kills dust mites. Using synthetic materials for bedding, blankets, and stuffed animals helps too.

It may not be energy efficient, but it is also suggested to keep your home below seventy degrees. Dust mites thrive in warm humid environments. A Kingston University study also showed that leaving your bed unmade allows the sheets to dry out, which lessens the amount of dust mites. A dehumidifier, especially in the bedroom, may help as well.

If you have carpeting, it is recommended that you vacuum daily or at least once a week. High-efficiency vacuums pick up even more dust mites than regular ones, although using any vacuum will help.

Carpets can also be treated with tannic acid every two months. This minimizes dust mite waste, but can be just as irritating. A doctor may suggest this if your allergies are severe, and they can tell you where to get it.

When you clean your house, dust before vacuuming. This gives dust time to settle on the floor so it can then be picked up by the vacuum. Using a spray when you dust can reduce airborne dust particles as well.

Dust mites love the dander produced by pets with feathers or fur. If you have a feathered or furry pet, their sleeping quarters should be kept as far from your bedroom as possible. Furnish their sleeping area with easily cleaned items, like vinyl or hardwood floors and washable rugs.

Sources:
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/DustMites311.shtml