A dusty way to be troubled! Dust Mites

Dust mites are very common than people think. However, due to their small size, they are only visible under a powerful microscope. They are lurking in bedding, couches, carpets and even clothing and they feed on dead skin cells which fall from the bodies of humans and animals. Dust mites are usually found in a room where people spend the most time. This is because dust mites need about 70% humidity to live and they need food.

People can live their lives without even knowing their very existence. However, for people who have a dust mite allergy, it can cause serious problems. When the dust mites grow, they start to shed their skin. The skin and the faeces they leave are the main cause that triggers allergic reactions to sufferers, causing anything from itchy noses and sore eyes, to severe asthma attacks.

What are the Various Ailments Ascribed to Dust Mites?
The most common ailment ascribed to dust mites is allergic reaction. Dust mites can cause severe discomfort and problems to dust allergy sufferers. The problems that arise from having a dust mite allergy can make the person very ill.

Symptoms of dust mite allergy
The symptoms of dust mite allergies vary from mild to severe, depending on each person and their vulnerability to dust mites. The problems causes range from:-

• Hay fever which can bring on asthma
• Respiratory problems
• Eczema
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• itching

What do dust mites feed on?
The dust mites survive from eating anything from:-

• Human shed skin
• Finger nails
• Hair
• Pollen
• Fungi
• Bacteria
• Animal dander

What are the Steps for controlling and eliminating dust mites?
Eliminating dust mites completely is an impossible task, no matter how vigorously you vacuum or polish the house. You can take steps to make their survival difficult. A dust mite test kit is available on the market which tests to see if there is a dust mite problem and it checks for the severity of the problem if there is one.

Are you thinking about how to control dust mites? Are you unsure about what steps to take for dust mite con trol? Having the right dust mite information can help you to make the right choice for you and your family, and to help with dust mite removal.

The dust mites are attracted to the warmth and humidity so the first step that can be taken is to reduce the warm temperatures and humidity in the home. An air condition and a dehumidifier should be used. There are special filters that can be purchased for your air conditioner to trap airborne allergens. The filters should be changed or cleaned frequently. The dehumidifier should be cleaned regularly.

In the bedroom, a dust mite relishes this as it lurks around in pillows, mattresses, bed springs and blankets. In the bed you can expect to find an average of two million dust mites. Dust mites are attracted to your bed because they live on the skin cells that we all shed each night. So you should aim to wash it regularly to try and control the dust mites.

If you have a home with no carpets this would be perfect for people who have a dust mite a llergy. But for the people who have carpets, they need to be steam cleaned as this will effectively kill dust mites as mites can't survive in hot conditions.

Other steps to reduce dust mite allergens are to decorate with wood, vinyl, or leather furniture. Use shades or washable curtains instead of heavy drapes. Avoid anything that tends to collect dust such as wall hangings, books, clutter, and knick-knacks.

There are also certain things you can do round the house that can make a difference:-

• Allergen-impermeable bedding
• Washable pillows
• Stand-alone dehumidifiers or central dehumidifiers
• HEPA stand-alone air cleaners or central air filtration system
• HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner or central vacuum cleaning system
• Carpet treatment
• Washable toys

You can also use a dust mite spray to help with the dust mite control but you should always bear the implications in mind . You should always read the label carefully and bear the follo wing factors:-

• Do people in the house have asthma?
• Are people in the house allergic to anything in the dust mite sprays?

If you follow the above steps, you should live a happier and healthier life. You must take adequate septs to prevent them. Many people make the mistake of ugnoring them in the beginning. Only when they are infected badly they realise the problem and at many times it becomes too late by then.