This information was reviewed and approved byCarah Santos, MD (12/6/2022).
Dust mites are microscopic animals that feed on human skin scales. They live in bedding, carpets, stuffed furniture, old clothing and stuffed toys. Dust mites are most common in humid climates and don't survive when the humidity is below 50%.
Almost everyone is exposed to dust mites, but not everyone is sensitive to them. Most significantly, children allergic to dust mites are five times more likely to develop asthma. If droppings of dust mites are inhaled or come in contact with the skin, they may cause allergic symptoms and aggravate asthma and/or eczema. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose and rash.
Dust mites live on human skin scales. People slough off dead skin cells all the time, and, in the process, dust mites infiltrate the soft surfaces of bedding, pillows, sofas and carpets. Because of this, the bedroom is the most important area to consider when taking preventive measures. Environmental control measures to consider include:
- Enclosing mattresses, pillows and box springs in zipped, dust-proof encasings. Dust-proof encasings have a layer of material that holds the dust mites inside. Encasings are usually made of plastic or plastic-like materials. If there is more than one mattress in the bedroom, all should be encased. It is recommended that cloth tape be placed over the encasing zipper.
- Washing all bedding in hot (130° F) water weekly
- Avoiding lying on upholstered furniture or carpets
- Removing carpeting from the bedroom. Instead, use area rugs that can be washed.
- Using wood, leather or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered furniture in the bedroom
- Vacuuming rugs and carpets frequently. The person with a dust mite allergy should not vacuum or be in a room while it is being vacuumed.
- Keeping indoor moisture low. The ideal humidity level is 30-40%. Use an air conditioner or dehumidifier in warm climates to decrease the humidity. Clean the dehumidifier regularly.
- Avoiding the use of humidifiers or vaporizers, because they will increase humidity in the room and create a favorable environment for dust mites
- Applying an acaricide (a chemical solution that kills mites) regularly to carpeting and upholstery
- Applying tannic acid solution to help neutralize the allergen in mite droppings
Dust Mites Thrive in Humidity
Since humidity is necessary for dust mites to reproduce, it is useful to know your home's moisture level. The easiest, least expensive way is to buy a hygrometer to assess indoor humidity. The humidity in your home should be below 40%. Humidity levels between 40 and 50%are marginal in terms of dust mite control. In the 50 to 60%range, dust mites can be bothersome, and they are even worse when the humidity is above 60 percent.
Air conditioning is an effective way to control indoor moisture. If you have an inside air conditioner, make sure you have good drainage, so there is no standing water inside or around the cooler.
Dust Mites in Bedding
Pillows and mattresses are prime habitats for dust mites. Use special allergen-impermeable casings for mattresses and pillows to keep allergens from reaching you. Weekly washing of bedding in hot water (at least 130° F) is also recommended. The casings can be purchased at stores carrying allergy-related items.
Terrazzo and tile flooring also limit dust mite exposure. These floorings don't provide the soft nesting areas that carpets do.
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