Dust mites are microscopic pests and a common source of house allergens. These creepy crawlies are everywhere, indoors or outdoors. Dust mites can live in carpets, furniture, carpet, and beds. Dust mites could multiply and accumulate into your house since you cannot see them with a naked eye.
Are you or your family members constantly experiencing allergies? If yes, it indicates that house dust mites are infesting your property. In this article, we are going to discuss its characteristics and how to get rid of them.
Knowing About House Dust Mites
House dust mites are less than a millimetre in length, which is impossible for the naked eye to see. They are wingless and have oval-shaped bodies. With their size, it is very hard to detect them. Adult dust mites are approximately 0.5 mm long, while immature ones are even smaller.
The only way to see them is with the help of a microscope. The lifespan of house dust mites depends on the conditions they are living in. Two months or more is the usual length of life they have.
The most common types of dust mites in North America are the Dermatophagoides farinae and pteronyssinus. These mites are usually associated with respiratory and skin allergies in humans. Eczema and asthma are the common dermatological and respiratory effects.
When it comes to their choice of habitat, house dust mites prefer humid and hot climate conditions.
Detection of Dust Mites at Home
To check if dust mites are lurking in your home, you’ll need to collect dust and check them outdoors. You can see them with the help of a microscope.
Another way to detect house mites is by using a diagnostic test. They are available from pharmacies or allergy supply stores. These detection kits can determine and measure the presence of dust mites. You’ll need to collect indoor dust samples in various spots in the house.
Contacting an allergist-immunologist expert is also an ideal way to detect these pests. These experts can check their presence through blood tests or skin tests.
If you are unsure, it is always best to consult an expert pest control company. These professionals can detect and identify these annoying insects right away. They can immediately address and take action to successfully control these pests.
Identification and Effects of House Dust Mites Bites
While other bugs we encounter may bite, house dust mites themselves actually don’t do that. Instead, they can cause an allergic reaction that may induce skin rashes that are often itchy and red.
An allergic reaction happens when humans inhale the dust mite’s skin or fecal matter. Individuals who have dust mite allergies can experience the symptoms all year round. Common symptoms of house dust allergy include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Postnasal drip
- Itchy throat
- Red and itchy skin
Depending on the severity, these pesky creatures can trigger an asthma attack as well. People with weak immune systems may even experience the worst symptoms.
You may notice coughing, wheezing, or chest pain, too. The symptoms can be worse especially during bedtime when you are about to sleep. Your symptoms may not go away if you are indoors most of the time.
Get Rid of House Dust Mites Forever
Insect infestation is something that you should not take for granted. If there’s a presence of house dust mites, it is vital that you take the right action. Of course, one way to make this possible is to get rid of the main culprit. There are various ways on how you can eradicate dust mites forever.
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Regular Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep these unwelcome guests at bay is to ensure that your home is clean at all times.
House dust mites prefer to thrive in an environment that is unclean and unhygienic. If you don’t want them to take over your home, always tidy your place before they can start having their colony.
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Change Beddings
The bedroom is one of the most conducive places for these tiny creatures. Remember, they love to live on dander or dead skin cells. As much as possible, always replace your bedsheets, pillowcases, and bed covers regularly. Doing this will not only get rid of house dust mites but also prevent them from growing in different places in the house.
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Use Demuhidifiers
House dust mites love humid places. Using a dehumidifier is a perfect way to maintain the humidity inside your house. It works by taking extra moisture in the air, thus preventing mould and dust mites from thriving. Dehumidifiers are helpful if you have family members who are susceptible to allergies.
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Use Allergen-Proof Bed Sheets
It would be best if you can encase your mattress and pillows with allergen-blocking covers. The main goal of these covers is to block dust mites from taking over your bed. To make your bed more allergen-proof, you may need to put a vinyl cover on box springs.
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Use Vacuum with High-Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) Filter
You may need to use vacuum bags that are ideal for allergens. This ensures that you are using the proper vacuum bags to eradicate allergens. It is also helpful to use a low-pile carpet or switch to washable throw rugs.
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Buy Washable Stuffed Toys
You can kill dust mites by putting stuffed animals in a plastic zipper bag and storing them in your freezer overnight. But, this doesn’t assure that it can eradicate house dust mites. If you want to get rid of them completely, make sure to buy washable stuffed toys.
House Dust Mites Allergy Treatments |
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| Over the Counter (OTC) Antihistamines | Antihistamines are the perfect medication that can help ease the symptoms of dust mites allergy. Common brands are Allegra, Benadryl, Zyrtec and Claritin. |
| Decongestants | These OTC or prescriptions are ideal if you are continuously experiencing sinus headaches, postnasal drip and stuffy nose. |
| Prescription Allergy Medications | People with severe allergy symptoms may need these medications. They can be nasal corticosteroids and leukotriene receptors. |
| Allergy Shots | In order for the system to develop an immunity against these allergens, allergy shots may be needed. |
Never leave your family at risk of allergic reactions from the house dust mites bites. For a professional exterminator, Pestguide is the name you can rely on. Call us now.
| Wash beddings in hot water to eliminate the house dust mites. |
Contact a Pest Control Expert
If none of the ways mentioned above are able to eradicate dust mites in your home, the perfect solution is to contact the experts. Pest control specialists know how to effectively exterminate dust mites forever. Say goodbye to dust mite rash with the help of these professionals.
We, at PestGuide, have the best products and solutions to take care of your pest problems. We know how to provide you with the right help. Getting rid of pests like house dust mites isn’t easy if you don’t know what to do. That is exactly why we are here at your service, always ready to help anytime. Visit us now to get more information.
FAQs on House Dust Mites |
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1. How long do dust mites settle? |
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| Dust mites allergens settle within minutes into fabrics like bedding, pillow or upholstered furniture. They can even go with you if you travel a lot. | |
2. Can house dust mites live in human hair? |
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| No, they can’t live in human hair. But, humans can be dust mite carriers. So, it is best to wash your clothes and beddings and shampoo your hair regularly. | |
| 3. Do air purifiers help eliminate house dust mites? | |
| Yes, a good air purifier is helpful to get rid of house dust mites. It is very helpful in maintaining the indoor quality air in your house. |