Dust mites are from the arachnid family. However, with a size of 0.1-0.5 mm, they are significantly smaller than spiders. The mites feed on the scales of human skin, which are especially abundant in beds. Outside homes, mites survive only in bird nests.
Dust mites in a house come from dust and are not carried by pets, such as cats or dogs, like fleas for example. People, not animals, spread dust by moving clothes or bags. To survive and reproduce, mites need a humid and warm climate. This is because such a microclimate produces mold which, in combination with the skin scales, provides the mites with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. In beds, but also in upholstered furniture, the conditions are often optimal for small dust mites, because sweat and body temperature provide the ideal climate. The mites nest there, lay eggs and generally live undisturbed.
What are the health effects of a dust mite infestation?
Dust mites can be present in all homes, regardless of hygiene and cleanliness. No matter how thoroughly you clean your home, you cannot completely eradicate dust mites. If you can get rid of fleas by simply treating your dog or cat, combing their fur and washing all the textiles in the house, you can control the mites in this way, but you are not preventing them from growing. reinstall. It does not matter, because the small mites are not a problem in themselves. The mites are too small to see with the naked eye and do not bite or sting. So you don’t have to worry that flea or mite bites will transmit diseases or cause infections.
Due to the lack of itchy bites or stings, mites are not as big of a problem as other mites – like fleas or even bed bugs. Many people simply live with these tiny mites without realizing it. However, some people are allergic to the mite’s droppings. The allergens they contain cause allergic reactions that can turn into asthma. If you suffer from an allergy, you should definitely consult a doctor. This can help you recognize and treat allergy symptoms.
What to do against mites? How to fight against?
You can hardly fight the tiny mites. Even in very clean homes, tiny dust mites, sometimes several thousand, can be found in a single pillow. Dust mites also feel comfortable in upholstered furniture and in mattresses. However, to contain or completely prevent the proliferation of dust mites in your beds, mattresses, bedding, etc. you should consider special treatments or special fibers with antibacterial and insecticidal properties. Very popular, for example, the Tencel/Lyocell fiber, which has an antibacterial effect thanks to its eucalyptus base and does not give mold a chance. Also, you can control dust mites by washing your bedding regularly. This eliminates dust mites from bedding and allergens from textiles. You can also vacuum the mattress from time to time to rid it of allergens. A home remedy for dust mites or moths is generally not advised, as it is often ineffective.
Here is what you can do to prevent the proliferation of dust mites in your interior:
- Keep the room temperature relatively low: if you heat your rooms too much, dust mites will be inclined to develop there.
- Get rid of rugs and carpets: forget anything that is a dust mite nest; stuffed animals are also a vector of dust mites, disinfect them.
- Get rid of the humidity in your home: thus avoid mold.
- Ventilate your home every day.
- Wash your bedding at 60°C.
- Regularly dust your interior because it is in the dust that the dust mites are lodged which can cause you allergies. Be careful and think about all your shelves (or just don’t install shelves in your home, it will save you the dusting of many knick-knacks.
- Wash all your upholstery. Avoid thick and heavy fabrics and favor light curtains that you can wash more easily, and therefore more regularly.
- Consider products that repel dust mites. These do not support, for example, baking soda. And some essential oils repel them, especially lemon essential oil or that of tea tree.