Predators. The predators of dust mites are other allergenic mites (Cheyletiella), silverfish and pseudoscorpions.
Reduce Humidity: Dust mites hate dry air. Utilize dehumidifiers to maintain an environment where they cannot thrive.
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.
Common insect predators of pest mites include bigeyed bugs, brown lacewings, dustywings, green lacewings, minute pirate bugs, mite midges, the spider mite destroyer lady beetle (ladybug), spider mite rove beetle, and sixspotted thrips.
Dust mites are microscopic, insect-like pests that commonly live in house dust. They feed on flakes of dead skin, or dander, that are shed by people and pets. These tiny creatures are a big source of allergens and can worsen allergies and asthma.
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.
Starve Mites
No mites will survive or thrive without a food source. Dust is the main source of food for mites. Vacuum clean your carpet regularly to keep it dust-free and mite-free. Certified vacuum cleaners (with filters) are healthier for home use; they prevent the release of mites and their feces into the air.
Lemongrass oil exhibited potent acaricidal activity against Sarcoptes mites. At 10% and 5% (v/v), it killed all mites within 10 and 25 min, respectively. Its LC50 values were 1.37%, 1.08%, 0.91%, 0.64%, and 0.48% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively.
Predators. The predators of dust mites are other allergenic mites (Cheyletiella), silverfish and pseudoscorpions.
The solution to a mite infestation is to eliminate the hosts, usually rats or birds. The mites will survive only two to three weeks without their hosts. Rodent control, including rat proofing buildings, offers a permanent solution to a rodent mite infestation.
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.
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.
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.
Snake Plants (Golden, Green)
Sword-shaped leaves pointing skyward make Snake Plants natural air purifiers, trapping dust and allergens between their sturdy foliage.
The chemical that makes house dust mites gather together in defense has been identified as neryl formate, a common scent used in foods and perfumes.
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.
Unfortunately, although a dust mite may live for only 2-3 months, dust mite allergen particles continue to cause allergy symptoms even after the mite that produced them has died.
Wash bedding in hot water once a week
Water that is 130 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter can kill dust mites. Dry cleaning can also help rid your bedding of dust mites.
Repel with specific plants: There are several plant species that can be effective in repelling insects, including spider mites, such as marigolds, chrysanthemums and garlic.
Washing fabrics at a minimum of 60 degrees C kills dust mites – so buy sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers that can be washed at high temperatures, and wash them at least every two weeks. Also get curtains that can be washed at 60 degrees C and wash regularly.
Dust mites eat skin cells shed by people, and they thrive in warm, humid environments. In most homes, such items as bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide an ideal environment for dust mites. By taking steps to reduce the number of dust mites in your home, you may get control of dust mite allergy.
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.
Allergen levels are at their highest between May and October, the peak breeding season of house dust mites. Most of the mites die during the winter, but the allergen-containing dust is stirred up by heating systems. This often causes the symptoms experienced by affected patients year-round to worsen during the winter.