Dust mites are tiny pests that live in household dust and feed on dead skin cells. These microscopic pests often cause allergies and asthma, so it’s important to understand them and learn how to control them.
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are small pests related to spiders and ticks. They love warm, humid places like bedding, soft padded furniture, and carpets. They are so small that you can’t see them with the naked eye, as they measure only about 0.2-0.3 millimeters. Despite their size, dust mites can cause significant health problems because their allergens can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Dust Mites Facts
Learning some key facts about dust mites can help you understand why controlling them is important. Dust mites are present in almost every home, no matter how clean. Each dust mite lives for about 1-2 months, and female dust mites can lay up to 100 eggs in their lifetime.
Dust mites mainly eat dead skin cells from humans and animals found in household dust. Their allergens come from their feces and decomposed bodies, which can get into the air and be inhaled. Dust mites thrive in places with 70-80% humidity and temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C).
Dust Mites Control
To control dust mites, you need to clean regularly and make some changes in your home. Here are some practical steps you can take:
Regular cleaning: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture often using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens. Dust surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent dust from going into the air. Wash bedding, pillowcases, and stuffed animals weekly in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) to kill dust mites. Use dust-proof covers for mattresses, pillows, and box springs to create a barrier against mites.
Reduce humidity: Keep indoor humidity levels below 50% using dehumidifiers or air conditioners. Dust mites thrive in high humidity, so keeping the air dry can greatly reduce their numbers. Minimize clutter by reducing the number of items that collect dust, like stuffed animals, decorative pillows, and unnecessary furnishings. Store items in plastic bins to limit dust accumulation.
Replace carpets: Consider replacing carpets with hard flooring options like wood or tile, which are less likely to harbor dust mites. If you can’t replace carpets, make sure to clean them regularly and thoroughly.
Air purification: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce airborne dust mites and allergens. Ensure proper ventilation in your home to keep the air fresh and clean. Items that can’t be washed, like certain toys or delicate fabrics, should be placed in the freezer for at least 24 hours to kill dust mites.
Dos and Don’ts When Dealing with Dust Mites
| Dos | Don’ts |
| Wash bedding in hot water weekly. | Don’t rely on cold water washes to kill mites. |
| Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. | Don’t use a regular vacuum without a HEPA filter. |
| Keep indoor humidity below 50%. | Don’t ignore humidity levels in your home. |
| Use dust-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. | Don’t leave bedding unprotected. |
| Dust with a damp cloth to prevent spreading allergens. | Don’t dust with a dry cloth that spreads dust. |
| Consider hard flooring instead of carpets. | Don’t assume carpets are easy to keep mite-free. |
| Freeze items that can’t be washed to kill mites. | Don’t skip cleaning items that can harbor mites. |
| Use air purifiers to reduce airborne allergens. | Don’t neglect air quality in your home. |
