March 31, 2024, 11:15 am | Read time: 4 minutes
They are the living nightmare for allergy sufferers: mites, specifically dust mites. They reside in beds, sofas, carpets, pillows, or simply in dust. And they literally take our breath away. But what exactly are dust mites, and how can we get rid of these pests?
When you lie down in bed at night, you can be sure you’re sharing it with thousands of tiny guests. Dust mites live in the mattress. But don’t worry, this isn’t a sign of poor hygiene—they live in every household and are hard to combat. You can’t completely get rid of dust mites, but you can certainly reduce their numbers. myHOMEBOOK reveals what you can do against the mites.
Overview
What Are Dust Mites?
Dust mites belong to the mite family and are classified as arachnids. Generally, they are harmless to humans unless you are allergic or asthmatic. Allergic reactions are not triggered by the dust mites themselves but by their droppings. They thrive in warm and humid environments and feed on skin flakes and mold. Our bed is the ideal breeding ground for dust mites.
Where Are Dust Mites Found?
These tiny arachnids primarily live in household dust. Their preferred habitat is the bedroom, especially the bed. In the microclimate between pillows, mattresses, and blankets, mites find what they feed on: keratin. This substance is part of our hair and skin flakes, which fall off every night and accumulate where we sleep. Mites also feed on pollen, bacteria, and textile fibers, primarily clothing. They also nest in upholstered furniture and stuffed animals.
What Are the Symptoms of a Dust Mite Allergy?
The symptoms are quite similar to hay fever: itchy nose and watery eyes. Many people with a dust mite allergy also struggle to breathe at night. Doctors call this “allergic rhinitis.” Over time, the allergic reaction can lead to asthma.
Related: Microbiologist explains how often you should change your bedding (via FITBOOK)
Do Dust Mites Cause Allergic Reactions?
Not exactly. It’s not the mites themselves that cause allergies, but their waste products. The amount of droppings is substantial. Researchers found that one gram of dust can contain up to 250,000 particles of mite feces. It sounds creepy, but there’s no need to panic. The droppings are not inherently harmful to humans. However, the immune system of allergy sufferers recognizes mite excrement as a foreign substance, leading to the described defensive reactions.
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4 Tips Against Dust Mites
It’s difficult to completely get rid of these unwelcome roommates. To reduce the dust mite population, make their environment uncomfortable. For example, by regularly ventilating and dusting.
1. Ventilate Regularly
Low room temperatures and low humidity slow down mite reproduction, experts say. Periodic ventilation helps. Even in winter, the bedroom temperature should be below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The entire home should not be overheated.
2. Dust Regularly
Regular cleaning is important, even in hard-to-reach places like under the bed. Additionally, vacuum cleaner filters should be checked regularly to prevent allergens from being unnecessarily stirred up into the air.
Related: How to Free Stuffed Animals from Dust Mites
3. Clean Bedding and Upholstery
Bedding should be washed more frequently at 140 degrees Fahrenheit. There are also mattress covers specifically for allergy sufferers, known as encasings. The material is made of particularly dense microfibers. These protective covers should be cleaned at longer intervals, often every six months is sufficient. When changing bedding and sheets, the cover should be wiped down. To kill the mites, the mattress should also be cleaned regularly. If you have upholstered furniture, it should be vacuumed frequently, as they are real dust collectors.
4. Avoid Carpets
Especially in the bedroom, it’s advisable to avoid carpets. Opt for wood or stone flooring instead. These surfaces are easier and especially suitable for damp cleaning. Avoid carpets.