If you want to know how to get rid of dust mites, you are not alone. These microscopic critters can get everywhere, and while you can’t really eliminate them forever, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to them.
Although they are not dangerous, dust mites live in the home and feed on the dead skin of humans and pets. They can cause allergic reactions including wheezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes and skin, and in worst cases can trigger an asthma attack. Invest in one of the best air purifiers for allergies can go a long way in combating these symptoms by capturing small particles like dust mites.
Read on to learn more about how to get rid of dust mites and how to spot them if you have them in your home.
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are tiny little critters that live in house dust and eat flakes of dead skin from people and pets. According to Aneta Ivanova, a pediatric allergy nurse specialist at Midlands Allergy Service (opens in a new tab) In the UK, they are invisible to the naked eye and live off the scales of skin we shed, which have been partially digested by mould.
Although dust mites do not sting or bite, they can cause allergic reactions and are one of the main triggers for people with asthmaaccording to the American Lung Association (opens in a new tab) (TO).
“Some atopic conditions can be triggered or exacerbated if the patient has an allergy to house dust mites,” warns Ivanova. “For example, rhinitis (runny and itchy nose, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes) or eczema and the development of spontaneous urticaria, a painful skin condition.
“An allergy to house dust mites can trigger additional symptoms in patients suffering from asthma, such as rhinitis, cough and wheezing, despite taking their medication. This is known as allergic asthma.
aneta ivanova
Aneta Ivanova is a Pediatric Allergy Consultant Nurse at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust with 36 years’ experience working in paediatrics, both in the UK NHS and in the private sector. Ivanova works as a consultant for the largest pediatric allergy service in the West Midlands and through her private practice, the Midlands Allergy Service, and practices a modern approach to the management of allergic disease.
Where do dust mites live?
As their name suggests, dust mites live anywhere there is dust. They are most commonly found in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, rugs, and drapes in your home.
And, not wanting to cause alarm, they’re almost everywhere: Four out of five homes in the US have dust mite allergens in at least one bed, says the ALA.
“House dust mites like the warmth of our homes and thrive in moist environments,” Ivanova told LiveScience. “They are often found in bedrooms, on bedding and mattresses, and in living rooms where there are rugs, curtains, and soft furnishings. Dust mites are also found in all public places like schools and offices. They exist despite regular cleaning.”
But even a thorough cleaning can’t get rid of dust mites forever. They come back, so regular disinfection is important.
How do you know if you have dust mites?
Dust mites can be difficult to detect because they are microscopic arthropods that are only ¼ to ⅓ of a millimeter long. As we’ve heard, these little bugs are everywhere, so most people will have them in the home. However, certain people will be more sensitive to them than others.
The most common signs of dust mites are the allergic reactions some have when they encounter their droppings. When inhaled or touched, the proteins in their feces force our system to produce antibodies to protect us.
Symptoms of a dust mite allergy include:
- Fever
- Watery and/or itchy eyes
- Runny nose
- constant sneezing
- Red and/or itchy skin
- Asthma attack
- Nasal congestion
- wheezing
- labored breathing
If your symptoms worry you or are extreme, contact your doctor.
How to get rid of dust mites
If you want to know how to get rid of dust mites, there’s unfortunately nothing you can do to completely eliminate them, Ivanova says, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure to these microscopic pests.
“In the bedroom, damp dusting at least once a week can help, as can using hypoallergenic bedding and a barrier mattress, as well as duvet covers and pillows made from a special fabric that prevents dust mites from passing through. You should also air the room daily and wash bedding at 140°F.
“In children’s bedrooms I recommend reducing the number of stuffed animals. The remaining toys should be washed and frozen at least once a month. Only extreme temperatures can kill mites.
“In the living room, again, damp dusting can help, as can choosing hardwood floors over carpet and vacuuming at least once a week. Opt for washable curtains, blinds or blinds that can be cleaned. Once again, you need to ventilate the room regularly.”
Dust mites love damp spaces (think steamy bathrooms), so the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) recommends making sure the humidity in your home is below 50%. the best dehumidifier can help keep your home in a comfortable humidity.
“The use of a air purifier that can capture the tiny particles of house dust mites can be helpful in reducing exposure,” adds Ivanova.
If you are one of those who suffers from allergies, you are not alone. House dust mite allergy is very common; they are part of our ecosystem and therefore impossible to completely eradicate, but a few steps can help reduce exposure.
“Patients suffering from allergic rhinitis or asthma secondary to house dust mite allergy should be seen by an allergist and have their treatment monitored,” says Ivanova. “If treatment with maximum doses of antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays does not help (along with asthma inhalers for people with asthma symptoms), house dust mite immunotherapy may be considered.”
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to offer medical advice.