How to Control the Growth of Dust Mites in Your Home

Vacuuming and dusting should be top priorities at every house. This is because household dust produces a broad spectrum of harmful microorganisms. These contaminants create significant health risks by harboring bacteria, causing allergic reactions, and aggravating those who suffer from asthma.

Household dust, and the problems associated with it, is caused by a number of factors affecting the home environment. One of these factors is dust mites. Dust mites are considered to be the most common cause of asthma and allergic symptoms worldwide. In fact, together with their partially digested food and fecal matter, dust mites are considered significant sources of allergens, involved in allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and dermatitis. Their bodies, made of chitin, are likewise allergens. Dust mites flourish in the controlled environment provided to them by buildings - such as our homes. They survive in all climates, except at high altitudes where reproduction is halted. Sufficient absolute humidity is a necessary condition for their growth (digestion and reproduction). They can be transported airborne by the minor air currents generated by normal household activities. They are minute to be seen without the air of a magnifying glass.

Male dust mites can live for up to 30 days, while a mated female dust mite can live for 10 weeks, laying 60 to 100 eggs in the last 5 weeks of her existence. In that 10-week life span, a dust mite will produce approximately 2,000 fecal particles and an even larger number of partially-digested enzyme-infected dust particles.

Dust mites reproduce quickly enough that their effect on human health can be significant. If someone in your household is affected by dust, take steps to control your home environment. If the problem is caused by dust mites, take these measures to keep them at safe levels:

- Wash sheets, blankets, and bed covers weekly in hot (at least 54 degrees celsius/130 degrees fahrenheit) water. Or to kill mites while lengthening the life of your linens, place bedclothes in the dryer for 20 minutes on medium and then wash in warm water.
- Use comforters and pillows made of synthetic fiber, such as Dacron or Orlon - instead of down, feathers, or cotton - and wash these in hot water regularly. Replace your synthetic pillows every two years. For people with severe allergies, their mattress, box spring, and pillows should also be enclosed in airtight or allergen-proof covers.
- Remove carpeting wherever possible, especially in the bedroom.
- Keep your home uncluttered to minimize dust buildup. Store knickknacks, books, and compact discs in drawers or closed cabinets.
- Keep an allergic child's stuffed animals in a cabinet, and clean them regularly. Don't let the child sleep with the toys, especially if they are placed near the face.
- Vacuum weekly and wipe surfaces with a damp cloth (a dry cloth will just release the dust back into the air). Wear a dust mask, if you're allergic.
- Buy leather or vinyl furniture instead of upholstered, if possible.
- Install a humidistat to measure indoor humidity; dust mites thrive in moist conditions. Use central air conditioning and, if necessary, a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50 percent.
- Clean and ventilate your kitchen, bathrooms, and basement frequently.
- Install high-efficiency particulate air filters in your vacuum cleaner, air purifier, and heating system. They remove dust particles from circulating air.

Remember that dust mites cannot be totally eradicated. But with your health on the line, you've got to take measures to check their growth in your home. [Read the Original Article]