Dust Off Dust Mites: Ten Proven Strategies!

Today We Are Discussing Dust Mites And What You Can Do To Minimize Your Exposure

Dust mites are arachnids, meaning they are part of the spider family. However, they don’t bite or feed on you. They feed on the flakes of skin that you shed every day.

Facts About Dust Mites:

Appearance

Dust mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye. The average size is ¼ millimeter.

Habitat

They thrive in warm, humid environments, which makes places like pillows, bedding, upholstery, and carpets prime spots for dust mites. An old pillow can have as many as 10 million dust mites in it.

Diet

They primarily feed on dead skin cells that humans and pets shed.

Reproduction

They reproduce rapidly. A female dust mite can lay up to 100 eggs in her short lifespan.

Allergies

The main allergy concern with dust mites is not their bite (they don't bite) but the allergenic proteins they produce. These proteins can be found in their feces, bodies, and secretions. When patients who are allergic to dust mites inhale or come in contact with these proteins, allergic reactions may occur, including sneezing, runny or itchy nose, watery or red eyes, skin rashes, or even asthma.

The good news is that dust mites are one of the few allergens you can protect yourself from.

Tips To Protect Yourself from Dust Mites

1. Pillows and mattresses: You can purchase dust mite protectors for your pillows and mattresses. You can get them off Amazon or at Walmart. You put your pillows and mattresses into these “sleeves.” Once you zip your pillow into the dust mite cover, put your pillowcase on like normal.

2. Washing bedding and pillowcases: If your washing machine has an allergy or Sani-cycle, use it when washing your linen. These cycles superheat the water and kill dust mites. If you don’t have these cycles, you can order dust mite detergent from Amazon. You should wash weekly as dust mites can collect quickly in your bedding.

3. Decorative Pillows: AKA “dust mite hotels,” have to go. Since they are decorative, you can’t put covers on them or wash them. The only solution is not to use them.

4. Upholstery: If your upholstery is leather or plastic, you are in good shape, as dust mites don’t live in them. If your upholstery is fabric, you are back to the same problem you have in your bedroom.

5. Vacuum: You can vacuum your upholstery often with a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. This goes for carpets and rugs as well.

6. Steam Cleaning: Rather expensive, but steam cleaning will kill dust mites.

7. Living room pillows: Small pillows can be put in plastic bags and frozen for 24 hours. This will kill dust mites, but just like decorative bedroom pillows, you are better off not using them.

8. Cleaning: Dust your furniture and clean your carpet, floors, and rugs often. When dusting, ensure the towel is damp to pick up dust and dust mites. You can get anti-allergy sprays for your furniture on Amazon.

9. Humidity: Keeping the humidity in your home under 50% will help kill dust mites. Dehumidifiers are available online.

10. Air purifiers: Air purifiers can help; however, ones to keep your whole house clean can be expensive.

If avoidance is not enough, you may need medical therapy. Some of these therapies are over-the-counter, and others require a prescription. Please subscribe, as future newsletters will review the medical treatment options.

Till next week,
Jim Atkins, MD Follow me on Twitter.
Lori Atkins, PA-C

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