Dust mites are a major cause of asthmas and allergies, eighty percent of allergy and asthma sufferers are reactive to them. Dust mites are small tiny insets, belong to arachnid family. The arachnid family also includes spiders, scorpions, harvestman, chiggers and ticks. The dust mites are very small (0.3 millimeters in length) which cannot be seen by naked eyes. They live on dead skins regularly shed from humans and pets, and they absorb water from humidity in the air. They love warm (70 F and 21 C) and humid environments (70%). In most homes, bedding, upholstered furniture and carpeting provide a comfortable home for dust mites.
The dust mites themselves are harmless and they do not carry diseases. The fecal pellet and decaying bodies from the dust mites are the main causes of allergy. Compared to other house allergens (feathers, fungus spores..), the fecal pellet is relatively dense and does not float in the air. Direct contact of dust mites' feces through toys, bed, furniture, carpet and pillow can cause allergy. The common symptoms are: sneezing, running nose, itch eyes and other signs and symptoms associated with hay fever. It also causes inflammation of contraction of airways of the lungs that leads to asthma. See a doctor if signs and symptoms of dust mite allergy are severe.
A list of thing can reduce house dust mites (eczemaallergy.net)
- Use hypoallergic mattress protector or foam/latex mattress
- Bed linen: wash at high temperature once a week at least.
- Furniture: Leather sofa collects less dust. Wash covers of upholstered furniture and curtains.
- High efficiency (HEPA) filtration vacuum. Vacuum cleaners for allergy sufferers.
- Freeze toys for a few hours to kill dust mites.
- Use an air cleaner to reduce allergens in the air.
- Use dehumidifier to reduce humidity (less than 70%).
- Do not use carpet.
- Use anti-dust mite carpet spary to clean the carpet: tannic acid-based chemicals can neutralize the dust mites protein.
