Dust mites thrive in humid environments ranging between 55% to 75% relative humidity (RH), while RH levels below 50% will create unfavourable conditions that eliminate dust mites. By using a dehumidifier, you'll be able to control RH levels in spaces of your room and effectively stop the growth of dust mites.
Summary: Dust mites die after 6 to 11 days at a relative humidity of 50% or less. However, even above 50% relative humidity, the lower the humidity the less the reproduction and allergen production of dust mites.
The purpose of dehumidifiers is to take moisture out of the air and thus make it impossible for mold, mildew, or dust mites to survive and thrive.
The most effective combination includes maintaining humidity at 35% to 50%, regular washing of bedding to remove mites and mite allergens, regular vacuuming with a high-efficiency vacuum, use of mattress and pillow encasings, and HEPA filtration if deemed necessary.
Reduce Humidity: Dust mites hate dry air. Utilize dehumidifiers to maintain an environment where they cannot thrive.
General tips. Vacuum at least once a week (ideally not to be done by the person allergic to house dust mite). Damp dust the room at least once a week. If you have the allergy and have to do the vacuuming, anti-allergy vacuum cleaners with HEPA filter which do not blow out dust may be helpful.
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.
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.
Dust mites grow best where there is moisture. Moisturizing the air with a humidifier creates the perfect home for dust mites to live and prosper. Keep the humidity level in your house between 40-50%. You can monitor the levels with a hygrometer.
Lessens skin irritation – Dehumidifiers help eradicate dust in the air, so your skin won't feel as itchy. Protection from damage to electronics, sheets, and clothing – Humidifiers remove excess humidity from the air, protecting sheets and clothing, as well as expensive electronics from developing rust.
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.
A dehumidifier like the Meaco 20L Low Energy Dehumidifier with it's HEPA filter provides an effective combined approach to dealing with the Dust Mite issue.
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.
A dehumidifier can help kill dust mites by creating an unfriendly environment for them.
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.
Signs of Dust Mites in a Mattress
Finding dust mite debris such as tiny black or brown specks on the mattress. Feeling itchy skin while you're in bed. Experiencing allergy symptoms while sleeping, such as watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, coughing, or breathing problems2.
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.
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.
There are also a number of plant extracts formulated as acaricides (a pesticide that kills mites) that exert an effect on spider mites. These include garlic extract, clove oil, mint oils, rosemary oil, cinnamon oil and others.
Snake Plants (Golden, Green)
Sword-shaped leaves pointing skyward make Snake Plants natural air purifiers, trapping dust and allergens between their sturdy foliage.
Mop, dust, and vacuum to reduce dust and dust mites. Damp-mop hard floors (tile or hardwood, for example) once a day.
So, an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air (true HEPA) filter is able to remove all airborne particles, including dust mites, down to 0.3 microns or lower.
Dust Mites and Skin Reactions
Red, itchy patches of skin. Raised, bumpy rashes that may look like hives. Eczema flare-ups in people with atopic dermatitis. Small, red bumps that can be mistaken for insect bites.