Dust mites are tiny creatures that feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets. They are present year-round in most homes and can trigger allergic reactions like sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Getting rid of dust mites completely is difficult, but there are steps you can take to significantly reduce their numbers.
Why Dust Mites Are a Problem
Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in bedding, carpets, furniture, and other places where dust collects.
- They feed on the dead skin cells that people and pets shed every day. Adults are about 0.2-0.3 mm long, making them invisible to the naked eye.
- Their feces and decaying bodies are potent allergens. When airborne, these particles can trigger symptoms in people allergic to dust mites.
- Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments. Homes with poor ventilation and high humidity tend to have larger dust mite populations.
For people with dust mite allergies, frequent exposure can lead to chronic allergic symptoms like:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Rashes
- Trouble sleeping
Reducing dust mite populations and avoiding exposure are keys to controlling allergy symptoms.
Reduce Humidity Levels
Dust mites require warm and humid conditions to survive and reproduce. Keeping home humidity below 50% will help lower dust mite populations. Here are some tips:
- Use air conditioners and dehumidifiers during warm months.
- Make sure bathroom fans are vented to the outside. Let them run for a while after showering.
- Fix any leaks and eliminate standing water.
- Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels.
- Consider using a dehumidifier in problem areas like bedrooms and basements.
Maintaining lower humidity discourages dust mites from thriving and propagating.
Frequently Clean and Vacuum
Vacuuming carpets, floors, and upholstered furniture frequently removes dust mite allergens. Try to vacuum at least twice a week in areas where dust collects.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap small particles.
- Concentrate on areas where you sit and sleep, like mattresses and bedding.
- Remove and wash throw rugs regularly to eliminate allergens.
- Wipe down hard surfaces like windowsills often using a damp cloth.
- Clean ceiling fans and air vents to remove built-up dust.
Frequent, thorough cleaning removes dust mite allergens from surfaces before they become airborne.
Wash Bedding in Hot Water Weekly
Dust mites thrive in bedding. Weekly hot water washing of sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers helps kill them and wash away allergens.
- Wash bedding in water that is at least 130°F (54°C). High heat kills mites.
- Use laundry detergent and bleach to help remove allergens.
- Wash pillows and mattress pads regularly. Consider washable covers.
- Replace pillows every 2 years as they accumulate mites and allergens.
- Consider using allergen-impermeable mattress and pillow covers.
Hot water washing and encasements deny dust mites the warm, moist environment they need to survive in bedding.
Be Careful With Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are another favorite home for dust mites. It’s best to avoid keeping them in the bedroom if you suffer from dust mite allergies.
- Store stuffed animals in plastic containers or bags.
- Frequently wash small stuffed toys in hot water.
- For non-washable items, freeze overnight to kill mites.
- Keep stuffed animals off beds and avoid close contact when sleeping.
- Remove carpet and limit plush toys which collect dust.
Stuffed animals provide ideal harborage for dust mites. Keep them out of bedrooms or frequently clean and freeze them.
Use Allergen-Proof Bed and Furniture Covers
Covering mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture with special dust mite-proof encasements limits exposure to allergens. The tight weave blocks dust mites, dander, and particles.
- Look for covers labeled “allergen-impermeable” or “dust mite-proof.”
- Make sure covers fit tightly around mattresses, pillows, and cushions.
- Wash encasements regularly since allergens can accumulate on the outer surface.
- Check for holes or tears and repair or replace damaged covers.
- Cover mattresses and pillows in both the bedroom and any other sleeping areas.
Allergen-proof covers provide an effective barrier against dust mites in beds, sofas, and chairs.
Consider Replacing Carpets with Hard Flooring
Carpets are breeding grounds for dust mites. Replacing wall-to-wall carpeting with hard flooring can help reduce exposure.
- Hard flooring like hardwood, tile, and vinyl don’t harbor dust mites.
- Area rugs can be removed and washed frequently to control allergens.
- Vacuum and damp mop hard floors often using a cleaner with sanitizer.
- Limit carpeting to only essential areas, if possible.
- Choose low-pile area rugs made with natural fibers instead of wall-to-wall carpet.
Hard, non-porous flooring doesn’t provide the moist environment dust mites need to thrive.
Use Acair Dust Mite Controller
The Acair is an electronic device that helps destroy dust mites. It generates low-level ozone to rupture dust mite bodies and denature allergens.
- The Acair treats areas up to 2600 sq ft, covering most homes.
- It runs continuously and silently without chemicals or mess.
- Independent lab tests show it kills and reduces dust mites and allergens.
- Users report greatly reduced allergy symptoms after installing the Acair.
- The device costs around $700 but can provide years of relief.
For whole-home treatment, the Acair offers an effective method to actively kill dust mites and reduce exposure to allergens.
Monitor for Signs of Infestation
Be on the lookout for signs of a dust mite infestation so you can take action before allergies get out of control:
- Increased sneezing, coughing, or irritated eyes and nose
- Worsened asthma and difficulty breathing
- Itchy skin or rashes on the face, neck, and upper body
- Runny nose and congestion, especially at night or in bed
- Discovery of actual mites in mattress or bedding seams
Noticeable aggravation of allergy symptoms may indicate high dust mite exposure requiring additional mitigation steps.
Be Diligent and Patient
Eliminating dust mites from a home takes diligence and patience. It’s an ongoing process requiring consistent effort.
- Maintain humidity control and frequent vacuuming year-round.
- Wash bedding and clean surfaces on a fixed schedule.
- Replace items like pillows and encasements when needed.
- Consider advanced steps like the Acair if symptoms persist.
- Follow recommendations during every season to continually disrupt the mite lifecycle.
Staying committed to control measures denies dust mites the conditions they need to multiply and lessen exposure over time.
While completely ridding a home of dust mites is extremely difficult, following these comprehensive steps can significantly reduce their numbers and provide relief from allergic reactions. Monitoring conditions, regularly cleaning, encasing bedding, controlling humidity, and using treatments like the Acair device all help break the dust mite lifecycle. With diligence and persistence, you can successfully minimize exposure and allergic symptoms caused by dust mites.
