Microscopic and thus invisible to the naked eye, dust mites are omnipresent in our houses. Even in the most spotless residence! Is this a problem, and if yes, how can you get rid of them?
Dust mites are minuscule arachnids measuring approximately 0.3 millimetres. They mainly feed on dead human skin cells, which we shed daily. This is why they’re found in such large numbers in warm and damp environments, like mattresses, pillows, rugs, curtains and upholstered furniture.
While some people think this is gross, their presence in our homes is unavoidable!
A Major Source of Allergens
Dust mites may not bite or transmit disease, but they do produce allergens through their feces, urine and decaying bodies.
These allergens can trigger respiratory symptoms, namely frequent sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and a persistent cough. Asthma sufferers may experience more intense attacks in the presence of dust mites, while some people develop skin irritations.
Bedrooms are particularly affected since they provide ideal conditions for dust mites to thrive, in addition to being rooms where we spend a lot of time.
How to Reduce Their Numbers in Your Home
Clean regularly
There’s no way around it: a clean house is a healthy house! In fact, asthma or dust allergy sufferers, for instance, know that regularly cleaning their living environment helps reduce their symptoms. The same goes for battling dust mites!
Vacuum carpets, rugs and upholstered furniture at least once a week (ideally by using a model equipped with a HEPA filter that traps small particles). Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly at 60 °C to kill dust mites efficiently.
Get the Right Equipment
Likewise, protect mattresses and pillows with dust mite and allergen proof covers.
Limit the Number of Textiles
Textiles are veritable breeding places for dust mites! Therefore, consider:
- Replacing carpeting with easier to clean hard flooring like wood or ceramic tiles
- Hanging light and washable curtains, or installing blinds
- Opting for leather furniture (real or synthetic) instead of fabric-covered pieces
Control Humidity Levels
Plus, because dust mites proliferate in damp environments, it’s important to keep indoor humidity levels between 40% and 50%. You could, for example, run a dehumidifier or regularly air out the rooms.
Purify the Air
Improving indoor air quality can equally reduce the dust mite population. Install an air purifier specially designed to eliminate airborne allergens. Also remember to clean your heating and air conditioning systems’ filters regularly to prevent recirculating dust and unwanted particles throughout the house. Make sure to open the windows frequently or run the air exchanger.
While there’s no way to avoid having dust mites in the home, it is possible to reduce their numbers with these simple precautions. Moreover, everyone benefits from breathing cleaner indoor air. And keep in mind that dust mites are no more dangerous than dust bunnies underneath your furniture!