Dust Mites
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites
By Dr. Kristie
If you have a history of allergy symptoms, you may be suffering from the effects of pesky, indoor dust mites. These tiny bugs are members of the spider family and have the ability to wreck havoc with your allergy symptoms if you’re unfortunate enough to be sensitive to them.
They tend to thrive in areas that are warm and moist and are a common resident in most homes in America. Whether you like it or not, these little bugs may have take up residence in your bedding, clothing, furniture and other areas of your home where conditions are ripe for their survival.
Once they’ve established themselves in your house, you need to take immediate measures to eliminate them. This can help to reduce your allergy symptoms if you’re sensitive to them. Here are some effective ways to eliminate dust mites:
1) Wash bedding at least every two weeks.
Since bedding is one of the most frequent places for dust mites to hide out, it’s important to wash it at least once every two weeks. Use hot water to make sure you kill all of the mites. Generally, water should be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to destroy mites.
2) Reduce indoor humidity.
Since dust mites thrive in warm, high humidity environments, it’s important to keep the humidity of your home less than fifty percent. .To measure indoor humidity, purchase a hygrometer, available at most hardware stores. If it’s above fifty percent, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to help bring it down.
3) Remove unnecessary carpeting.
Dust mites thrive within the fibers of carpeting. If possible, remove the rugs in your home and replace them with hard flooring. This step can go far towards reducing the number of dust mites in your home.
Vacuuming is generally not effective at eliminating dust mites, although it may reduce the population. Never vacuum without a mask if you suffer from allergies.
4) Encase your pillows and mattresses in vinyl
Covering your mattress and pillows in vinyl can significant reduce the dust mite population in your bedroom. This step is generally not cost prohibitive and can have a positive impact on allergy symptoms.
Conclusion
Taking these four steps to eliminate dust mites, can be quite effective and may allow you some relief from your allergy or asthma symptoms. Why not give them a try?
About the Author
She is a Medical Doctor with a concentration in Family Practice. She also has an undergraduate degree in both Biology and Psychology and masters in Clinical Pathology.
Disclaimer: Articles not intended to Diagnose, Treat, Cure or Prevent Diseases.
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