Allergy be Gone: The Secret World of Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids, in the same family as spiders and ticks. They are only about 1/100th of an inch long. They eat the dead skin that falls off the bodies of humans and animals and on other organic material found where they live. They love warm, humid areas filled with dust. Pillows, mattresses, carpets, upholstery, and stuffed toys are all favorite places for dust mites to live and breed.

For most people, dust mites are simply disgusting. However, the cast skins and feces of dust mites are a major constituent of house dust and induce allergic or asthmatic reactions in some people. House dust contaminated with dust mite allergens is one of the most strongly allergenic materials found indoors. It is estimated that dust mites may be a factor in 50% to 80% of asthma attacks, as well as contributing to countless cases of eczema, hay fever, and other allergic ailments. For most people, symptoms are limited to sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or wheezing, but in some cases may include a red rash around the neck, headaches, fatigue and depression.

If you have dust mite allergies, you don't have to live with them. There are a lot of things you can do to combat dust mites in your home. Since most dust mites in your home are in the bedroom, it's a good place to start fighting back.

Enclose mattresses, box springs, and pillows in allergen-proof covers. The barrier will prevent dust mites allergens from getting out of your bedding. Since mattresses are a favorite home of mites, specially woven mattress encasings will keep dust mite allergens away from you while you sleep.

Wash bedding - including pillow cases, sheets, blankets, and mattress pads - every other week in hot water (130°F). This kills not only dust mites and their allergens, but other allergens as well. Using an anti-allergen laundry detergent or anti-dust mite laundry additive will ensure that there are no dust mites left alive and inhibit their growth until the next washing.

Since fabric is a great breeding ground for dust mites, the less you have of it around the better. Get rid of, or at least reduce, fabric wall hangings such as tapestries or pennants. Ditch curtains or drapes in favor of plastic shades and blinds.

If you can, give up your carpet, since it's a great breeding ground for dust mites. If you need to have carpet, don't install it directly on top of concrete, because the warm space between rug and concrete is a good place for mites to live.

Vacuum often with a HEPA vacuum cleaner and throw away the vacuum bag afterwards. Dust mites can leave the bag while it sits in the vacuum. Regular vacuuming greatly reduces the dust mite population.

Because dust mites love warm, humid places, keep the humidity low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Special air filters can help reduce dust mites in the air. A HEPA air purifier will also reduce the quantity of dust mite allergens in the air.

Get a product to neutralize dust mite allergens inside your home. Tannic acid-based solutions can neutralize the dust mite proteins that cause allergic reactions. For those rare people who are sensitive to tannic acid, there are also carpet sprays that are not tannic acid based that will neutralize dust mite allergens.