Did you know that your mattress could be full of dust mites?  It could.  So could your pillows and your blankets.

The biggest problem with dust mites is that you can’t see them.  If you could see these tiny, microscopic invaders, you would probably want them out of your life pronto! Dust mites are ugly-looking, eight-legged creatures that are associated with us humans.  The good news is that they are not parasitic and do not bite.  Nor do they burrow under the skin like scabies mites or live in skin follicles, as do skin follicle mites.

There are two species of house dust mites in North America.  The typical house dust mite is 420 micrometers long and 250 to 320 micrometers wide.  Both the males and females are a creamy blue and are rectangular shaped.  They can be transported in dust bunnies or by minor currents stirred up by normal household activities.

The female mites lay cream-colored eggs that are coated with a sticky substance so they can cling to a substrate.  The dust mites have four stages of development – egg, larva, nymph and then adult.  Under optimal conditions, they can go from egg to adult in three to four weeks.

Most homes – no matter how clean they are -- have dust mites.  The mites feed on human skin scales, fungi, pollen, animal dander and bacteria.  Interestingly enough, dust mites do not drink water.  They absorb water from the air and their environment.  Dust mites can be found in mattresses, pillows, fabric-covered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys and other fabric-covered items.

Dust mites may hitchhike on our clothing.  To thrive, they need very warm temperatures of 75-80 degrees and high humidity

We humans continually shed dead skin.  In fact, we lose about 1/5 oz. of dead skin every week.  We also spend about a third of our life in bed so there are often high levels of dust mites associated with our bedrooms, especially our bedding and mattresses.  Since dust mites also eat animal dander, allergens can be plentiful where our pets sleep.

Although dust mites rarely transmit diseases to us human, they can impact our health in ways that range from just being a nuisance if they enter our home in big numbers, to causing a severe skin irritation that can lead to intense itching.

Dust Mites And Allergies

Dust mites are not dangerous to us as, say, fleas.  However, they can cause allergies.  This is because they produce fecal matter and create body parts when they die and partially digested dust particles.  All of these are allergens that can cause allergy attacks in those of us who are allergic to them.  In fact, airborne dust mite allergens are a leading cause of allergy and asthma attacks.  Most people who have been diagnosed as allergic to “house dust” are really allergic to dust mite allergens.

Body parts and feces from dust mites can trigger asthma attacks in people with allergic reactions to dust mites.  And studies have found that nearly two out of three children with asthma were allergic to dust mites.

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to dust mites? They include itchy, watery eyes; sneezing; nasal stuffiness; respiratory problems; stuffy ears; eczema; runny nose; and, in severe cases, asthma.  You might notice these symptoms when you stir up dust during normal house cleaning.

If you believe you may be suffering from dust mite-caused allergy, you should see an allergist – a medical doctor -- who has been specially trained to diagnose and treat allergies.

Controlling Dust Mites

If you or your child is allergic to mites, just getting rid of them can be a big help in controlling the problem.  In fact, there have been cases where just getting rid of dust mites has eliminated all asthma symptoms.

The first, best step in controlling dust mites is to put allergy control covers on all mattresses and pillows.  Alternatively, you can replace your regular mattress with an air mattress or one made of natural latex.

Keeping the moisture level in your house below 50% relative humidity is also good for controlling dust mites, as they prefer warm, humid places.

Here are some other ways that can help control dust mites and reduce their allergens.

  • Vacuum your carpets regularly as your carpet generally is the biggest dust reservoir in the house.
  • Put a high-quality doormat at each entrance to your home and wipe your feet twice before entering.
  • Regularly remove dust from furniture, windowsills and other surfaces in your home.  Be sure to use a clean, lint-free rag and keep changing it, as it gets dirty.
  • Wash your sheets, pillows and blankets in very hot water – at least 130 degrees F.  And be sure to wash the sheets and blankets at least every two weeks.
  • Damp dust the plastic mattress cover daily.
  • Change pillowcases, sheets and under blankets weekly and vacuum the bed base and around the covered mattress.
  • Remove carpets if possible as well as all other dust-collecting items.

Dust mites can be noxious invaders.  But with time, discipline and a devotion to cleanliness, they can be controlled and you can reduce allergies or allergy-related asthma attacks.

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