Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic kith and kin of spiders that usually flourish in mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpets and curtains. These minute critters feed on flakes of the human and animal skin and seem to flourish in warm and highly humid environments. You may be amazed as to how such small creatures can actually be highly capable of wrecking havoc on human health. Dust mites are actually the most common allergenic contaminant found in most homes. In fact, medical studies have shown that dust mites are responsible in 50 – 80% of asthma attacks as well as eczema, hay fever and other dust mite allergy reactions.

The most alarming dust mite fact is that early exposure of infants to the pesky allergens can effectively trigger lifelong allergies. Sadly, there is no cure for such health complication, only a healthy dose of prevention seems to be the most sensible action. Actually one cannot truly eliminate its presence, you can control its level by first understanding its unique characteristics and behavioral mechanisms. Your bed is the prime habitant of dust mites, and a typical mattress plays host to around 100,000 to as much as 10 million critters. This is a practically legion of army insects that can set off allergy attacks and serious dust mite bites all over your body. A quick view under a microscope will probably make you shudder with the mere sight of thousands of dust mites scuttling one after the other.

How can you actually tell that you are having an allergy attack? Among the telltale signs and symptoms are constant sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes and nose, swollen under eye area and irritability. This are of course the classic signs of allergic rhinitis but if you are asthmatic, exposure to dust mites can trigger a host of respiratory complications, such as lung congestion, wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, anti allergy medications can easily relieve your suffering such as over the counter drugs like Benadryl and Claritin, decongestants and nasal sprays.

So how do you actually kill dust mites? The logical thing to do is to start with regularly cleaning the house. A good vacuum can also significantly help eliminate its existence, although you have to be really careful with handling the filter bags. It would also be helpful to keep the humidity level of your house below 50 percent; this can be easily attained with installing air conditioning units and dehumidifiers in strategic areas in the house. Be sure to buy quality filters for your vacuums and air conditioners to can effectively trap mites and its by-products. Choose a filter that features anti-microbial properties to prevent it from ever becoming a breeding ground for these allergens. Also buy allergen-impermeable covers to create a barrier between you and your mattress. Consider choosing synthetic fabrics rather than wool and cotton, since both can easily attract dust mites.

Dust mites are not only seen on your bedroom mattress but practically in all of your upholstered furniture pieces and carpets even in your windows and draperies especially during the summer season. Regularly cleaning at least once a week can significantly help ward off the proliferation of dust mites in your living space. Make sure to wear protective masks when cleaning the house to avoid inhaling waste products of mites and spores that are known to trigger allergy attacks.

As much as possible empty the room and clean every piece thoroughly to avoid further contamination of other furniture pieces. It is advisable to clean your walls and windowsills with damp cloth or a small dab of oil will work equally fine. Do not forget to turn off your air conditioning unit when cleaning the house so as to not allow dust particles to simply move around the house and cause more problems in the future.