Dust mites are found in almost every high humidity environment that is capable of supporting plant life. In a survey of homes with dust mites, 60% of the dust mite population is found in the bed, mattresses and pillows, 30% in upholstery, and 10% in carpet.
Since we can't see dust mites without the help of a microscope, some of the first signs of having them in your home could come from your body's reaction to their presence. If you possess an allergy to them, you are likely to experience symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose, congestion, cough, etc.
Woolen carpets have coil-like shaped fibers, making it challenging for dust mites to thrive in them. They're also resistant to mildew, bacteria, and mold. Just make sure you clean wool carpets correctly and they can last a very long time.
Consider steam cleaning carpets when possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam kills dust mites. You can buy chemicals (ascaricides) that kill dust mites and that you can use on carpeting and furniture.
Natural carpets made from wool and sisal are resistant to dust mites and allergens and prevent these particles from getting airborne. These carpets can be safely installed in your home.
It's important to vacuum clean regularly, especially in the areas of your home where dust mites tend to settle more, such as carpets, curtains, mattresses, and furniture surfaces.
Combine Clove, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint or Rosemary oil with water in a spray bottle and spray your bed, linens, and other furniture lightly with a fine mist. Once this mixture air dries, the scent should repel dust mites.
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If bedding can't be washed hot, put the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F (54.4 C) to kill the mites.
You can't feel dust mites crawling on you. They're too small. The bugs may catch a lift on your clothes but they don't live on humans. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about crawling sensations or think you may have dust mite allergy.
Because dust mite particles often become airborne, using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter can also help remove these and other allergens from the air. If you suffer from allergies and asthma, dust mites can be a major indoor trigger that make your symptoms worse.
How do you know if you have mites? If you have an itchy rash or bumps on some areas of your body, it could be due to mites. If you have dust mites, you also may sneeze a lot, have a runny nose, or even wheeze.
Carpets made from natural fibers like wool or sisal generally have lower VOC emissions. Additionally, we recommend that you look for synthetic carpets made with low-VOC materials and adhesives.
Anti-allergic clothing
Sheets can be made of 100% organic bamboo, as well as anti-allergic linen. Polyester bedspreads, easily washed in hot water, prevent the accumulation of dust mites. The clothes you wear every day should also be made of cotton or bamboo. Carpets made of synthetic fibers help repel dust mites.
Reduce Humidity: Dust mites hate dry air. Utilize dehumidifiers to maintain an environment where they cannot thrive.
Vinegar repels carpet beetles, which hate the scent. Use a mixture of white or apple cider vinegar and water to clean areas where carpet beetle larvae can be found. Another natural deterrent is a fine white dust called diatomaceous earth, or DE.
Though too small to see with the naked eye (only about . 33 millimeters long), dust mites are easily visible through even a cheap microscope. You can pick up an inexpensive microscope from any store that sells toys, a hobby store, or a thrift store and use it to discover whether your home has dust mites.
Dry vacuuming doesn't pick up dust mites. Consider steam cleaning carpets when possible. In addition to cleaning the carpet, the heat of the steam kills dust mites. You can buy chemicals (ascaricides) that kill dust mites and that you can use on carpeting and furniture.
Some develop scaly patches resembling eczema. Track-like burrows in the skin: Appearing as raised lines that are usually grayish white, these burrows are the tunnels where the female mite lays her eggs under the skin's surface.
Dust mites naturally occur in our homes, and it's almost impossible to eliminate them. However, you can reduce their numbers in your home and the need for treatment.
Sleep disruption: Dust mite allergies can disrupt sleep patterns, especially if symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and coughing are more pronounced at night. This can spill over into a long-term health risk, as poor sleep quality can have a negative impact on your overall well-being.
Essential Oil Sprays: Certain oils like eucalyptus or tea tree oil are natural dust mite repellents. Commercial Anti-Mite Sprays: Choose sprays that are safe for use on mattresses and effective against dust mites.
Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens. If bedding can't be washed hot, put the items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at a temperature above 130 F (54.4 C) to kill the mites.