Dust mites are tiny insect-like pests that feed on dead human skin cells and flourish in warm, humid environments. Dust mites are too little for us to see. They are not parasites that bite, sting, or burrow into our bodies. Instead, those who are allergic to dust or dust mites are reacting to breathing proteins in dust that come from dust mite excrement, urine, or decaying carcasses. Dust allergies are caused by dust mites that cause swelling or inflammation of the nasal passages.
Dust mites might reside in your home’s bedding, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, or drapes. Dust mites are almost ubiquitous; almost four out of every five houses in the United States have dust mite allergens in at least one bed.
Dust Mite Sources
Dust mites are naturally occurring and can be found in practically all households. The most essential aspect in assessing whether a house has a high amount of dust mites is humidity. This is because dust mites do not consume water like we do; instead, they collect moisture from the air. Dust mites can’t survive in low-humidity environments like deserts.
Dust mite allergies, unlike pet allergens, do not often persist in the air. Instead, the allergen settles fast into dust or clothes. These allergens stick to beds, mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets, and curtains, which also act as nests. The majority of exposure to dust mite allergens occurs when sleeping.
How Dust Mite Allergens Affect Health
Dust mites are a common indoor trigger for asthmatics.
People with asthma and those who are allergic or sensitive to mites can be harmed by ongoing exposure to dust mites at home. These allergens can cause mild to severe allergic reactions and asthma episodes. With a mild case, you might sometimes have a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneeze. In severe situations, the disease persists, resulting in chronic sneezing, coughing, congestion, face pressure, or even a severe asthma attack. Asthmatics who are allergic to dust mites are at a higher risk of asthma attacks.
How to Avoid Dust Mites
You may take steps to reduce dust mites in your house.
Reduce the humidity. Keep the humidity in your home below 50%. Air conditioning and dehumidifiers can aid in humid climates.
Reduce the number of areas where dust mites can reside. Remove upholstered furniture and replace it with furniture that has smooth surfaces. Remove the drapes and curtains. Cover mattresses and pillows with allergy encasements. Once a week, wash bedding in hot water (at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Reduce clutter, plush animals, and other places where dust mites thrive. If that isn’t possible, wash stuffed animals weekly in hot water (at least 130 degrees) to destroy and wash away dust mites.
Replace the carpets. The carpet should be taken out of the house, especially if the people who live there are allergic to dust mites. If you must keep the carpet, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Wet mop floors frequently, concentrating on capturing dirt and dust without wet mopping.
Regular dusting is required. Dust on a regular basis to decrease dust accumulation and enhance the overall indoor air quality in your home. During dusting, use anything that can capture and lock dust (such as a damp washcloth or microfiber cloth) to limit the amount of dust that is stirred up when cleaning.
People with dust mite allergies or asthma that is made worse by dust mite allergies should try to keep as few dust mites as possible in their homes.
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