Minimizing Dust Mites

These tiny organisms are found in mattresses and bedding and can cause allergic reactions such as itching, sneezing, runny noses, skin rashes to severe asthma attacks—all of which disrupt peaceful sleep. Dust mites are legion and can't be completely eradicated, but a few sensible strategies can minimize them. Fighting moisture in the bed by using organic wool elements in mattresses and bedding can help. See below for other useful suggestions.

Though these mites live in many homes, only people who are allergic to them know they are there. Dust mites are second only to pollen in causing allergic reactions. When dust mites grow, they shed their skin. The shed skin and feces are what cause allergic reactions in people.

Habits and Habitats

Dust mites do not live in air ducts in homes. Many people spend much time and money cleaning the air ducts to reduce dust mites. This is not necessary because dust mites need about 70 percent relative humidity or higher to live, and they need food. Areas where people spend much time, like a bed or a favorite plush chair, are prime sites for dust mites. The top part of mattresses containing fibrous material is a favorite place for dust mites during warm and humid times. The deeper parts of mattresses may provide protected areas for the dust mites during unfavorable conditions. Clothing is used by dust mites as a means of transportation from room to room or even from house to house.

Control

Control of dust mites can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. For people who are extremely sensitive, the following measures should be taken:

• Enclose mattresses, box springs and pillows in zippered allergen- and dust-proof covers.
• Wash bedding materials, including pillow cases, sheets, blankets and mattress pads every other week in hot water (130 °F) and hang out to dry on a sunny day.
• Keep surfaces dust-free
• Eliminate or reduce fabric wall hangings such as tapestries or pennants.
• Purchase stuffed toys that are machine washable.
• Avoid using curtains, drapes or blinds on windows. Use plastic shades instead.
• Keep most clutter and unnecessary items out of the bedroom
• Remove carpeting from the bedroom of the allergic person and replace it with tile or wooden floors.
• Replace upholstered furniture with wooden or wicker furniture.
• Vacuum often with a vacuum cleaner provided with a high efficiency purifying air (HEPA) filtration system.
• Throw away vacuum bags after use because dust mites can leave the bag.

Installing HEPA filters on air conditioner or heater vents is not practical or necessary, and may actually increase mite problems. Remember, dust mites cannot survive on the dust in the ducts, and the small holes of the filters will force air out of vents at a higher velocity, stirring up more dust than without filters.

Complete elimination of dust mites is unlikely. Reducing populations is the only likely way to reduce allergens in the air. Reducing humidity in the home by using a dehumidifier may help reduce populations, but reducing humidity levels in microclimates, such as in bed fibers or carpet fibers, is impossible. Chemical control is not necessary, nor will it have a lasting effect on dust mite populations. Regular cleaning and vacuuming will have a greater impact.

You may also try Mites Out™, a natural dust mite cleansing spray made from Neem oil (obtained through Eco-terric—not on our website yet, please call to order). The spray is applied to mattresses, pillows and upholstery and re-applied after 4-6 weeks. This treatment effectively removes dust mite infestation for up to a year.

Prepared in conjunction with an article by David Boyd, Entomology Graduate Research Assistant;
Patricia A. Zungoli, Extension Entomologist; and Eric P. Benson, Extension Entomologist, Clemson University.