Did you know? House dust mites also known as ‘Dermatophagoides’ was first identified by a brilliant team of medical doctors just before the Second World War.
Dust mites are teeny-weeny (1/4 to 1/3 millimeters) sized bugs that are feared by people who have allergies. Owing to their microscopic proportion, they cannot be identified by the human eye.
What makes dust mites a ticking time bomb in your house is that their extinct body parts and feaces can foster an array of complications such as sneezing, coughing, itching, and congestion. It is absurd to think of eliminating dust mites from your home and surrounding completely. But, you can certainly reduce them and thereby reduce its severity. The internet is brimming with articles that provide solutions to get rid of dust mites in your homes but these solutions are merely academic and often impractical. As a result, we have reviewed all the solutions and shortlisted some of the most effective and practical ways to get rid of dust mites from your home and surrounding.
If you are allergic or know a dear one who maybe allergic to dust mites then it is logical to avoid exposing yourself to places where dust mites thrive. Remember, dust mites multiply at a prolific rate.
In your homes, dust mites proliferate in these places:
- Carpets
- Upholstered furniture
- Pillow
- Rugs
- Curtains
- Drapes
- Blankets and down quilts.
Now that we know exactly where dust mites reside in our homes, let us discuss some of the most effective ways to get rid of these annoying pests.
- Using a microfiber cloth to clean the areas where dust accumulates most frequently. Do this several times a week if you notice that dust accumulation is frequent in some parts of the house. If your house is close to a construction site, you are likely to experience more dust.
Using a vacuum cleaner sealed with a HEPA filter is very effective in combating dust removal. A well-maintained vacuum cleaner can rid your homes of dander, dust mites, and other allergens.
“HEPA filters can capture more than 99% of particles that are at least 0.3 microns in size and prevent them from being released back into the air.” – Environmental Protection Agency
- Wash your sheets, drapes, curtains in warm water. Research has proven that dust mites and other dust allergens cannot survive in higher temperatures.
Did you know that dust mites are unwelcome on silk sheets?
- Carpets, upholstered furniture, and heavy drapes are a paradise for dust mites. It is recommended to avoid buying them. You can replace curtains with blinds and carpets with hard flooring.
- Stuffed toys are nothing but ‘dust collectors’. Keep them out of your bedrooms. Some experiments have found that freezing stuff toys overnight can kill dust mites. But isn’t it better to avoid them in the first place? Wall hangings, books, artificial flowers are perfect for dust mites and other dust allergens to dwell. It is logical to get rid of them if possible. Alternatively, you can wipe them every week..
- Stop making your bed in the mornings. Most motivational YouTube videos would preach otherwise but after a good night’s rest, your body has secreted moisture that is trapped in the duvet or bed cover. It is recommended to air out your duvet or bed cover before making your beds.
- Finally, keep your pets out of your bedroom. We know this one is the hardest so we left it to the very last. Dust mites are fond of pet dander. It is recommended to vacuum every day if you have a pet. Dust mites can cause discomfort to pets as well. So, bathe your pet regularly and stay safe.