Dust mites are a pain, especially if you struggle with allergies. The constant sneeze and cough can lead to issues of respiratory health complications. Not just dust mites, several other types of mites are found to contribute to these similar issues. So, if you suspect dust mites infestation in your house and you struggle with allergies, your best bet would be to take immediate action.
Keep in mind that dust mites are very small and almost negligible when looking at them with the naked eye. So, spotting their infestation is not just difficult but often impossible too. So, if you are looking for ways to get rid of dust mites, the process can be quite confusing and extensive.
In this article, we will discuss everything there is to know about dust mites and how to get rid of them from your home and the perimeter of your house.
Also read: How to Get Rid of Bird Mites?
Table of Contents
What are Dust Mites?
Dust mites are common pests found in the accumulated dust around the house. They are almost negligible to the naked eye, so it is quite difficult to spot them around the house.
Dust mites are abundant around the house, especially if you avoid cleaning and vacuuming your home frequently. They are found around the corners and the fabrics that attract and retain more allergens. So, you will often find them on carpets, rugs, etc.
If you are allergic to dust mites, any small level of infestation will hunt down your health. However, if you aren’t allergic, they won’t cause you much trouble, unlike many others say.
Why are Dust Mites Allergens?
You’d think that the allergic reaction you are getting from the dust mites is likely from their bites. However, that isn’t the truth. Instead, mite feces are what cause allergic reactions in human beings. The protein particles in the feces cause the risks of allergies in individuals.
Depending on your house and the surroundings, the infestation rate depicts how bad of an allergic reaction you showcase. So, if you are experiencing issues with cough, sneezes, and other allergic symptoms, this is a reason why you need to get rid of these without any further risks.
List of Ways to Get Rid of Dust Mites
Given that dust mites are such a nuisance, it isn’t surprising that people are consistently looking for ways to get rid of dust mites to prevent the risks of allergens around the house.
We have managed to look into some of the best ways to get rid of dust mites without hindering your lifestyle. Here’s what you can do:
1. Start with a Dehumidifier
It might sound futile and not up to the mark, but dehumidifiers work amazingly in reducing the infestation of dust mites in the house. The dust mites need humid areas around the house to grow and thrive. So, if you take that condition away, it becomes easier for them to die around the house.
Besides dehumidifiers, even air conditioners work in keeping the infestation in check. Also, when it comes to dust mites, you want to keep the humidity levels in the house or the rooms under 50%. This appliance can help manage that easily.
2. Wash the Bedding Once a Week
Yes, it might not sound too nice, especially with the kind of laundry you’d have to do, but it works like magic. This is especially important if you struggle with any kind of allergies. Indulging in a hot water washing of the bedding effectively helps clean the bedding and even any remnants of the dust mites and other types of allergens.
Also, when washing the bedding, use hot water at 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. That helps get rid of the dust mites for good. If you can’t wash the bedding, freezing it works equally well.
3. Switch to Synthetic Materials
If you are struggling with the woolen and rug-like material because they attract more allergens, we’d recommend switching to synthetic materials instead. They have less surface area to attract and entrap the allergens, ensuring that you won’t be left with allergens all around the house.
If you have the floor to floor carpeting, remove them immediately without further questions. Also, remove any upholstered furniture around, especially if you frequent those spots around the house. Bare floors are the best choice for you.
4. Use a Steam Cleaner
Another effective way to get rid of the dust mites from the house is by using a steam cleaner. If you don’t have access to a steam cleaner, you can always use a wet rag to clean out the surroundings. Just ensure that you focus on cleaning the corners. Also, we wouldn’t recommend using a wet rag to clean furniture.
Instead, use the steam cleaner to get around the furniture upholstery to get rid of all the dirt and gunk hiding on the surface. Also, when you are vacuuming, use a HEPA filter bag to catch all the dirt and allergens in them instead of having them in haywire when you open the bag to dispose of the dirt.
Also, if you are highly allergic, we’d recommend that you always use a steam cleaner. Moreover, while vacuuming, always make sure that you cover your nose and eyes, so you don’t end up sniffing the dirt up your nostrils.
5. Install an Air Purifier
Besides a dehumidifier, you also want to install a high-quality air purifier around in the house. Especially focus on the rooms that have more upholstered materials. This will allow you to clean around the house without any complications.
You could use a high-quality air purifier to ensure that you get rid of every last allergen that you have floating around in the air. This will help you eliminate all the possible allergens that you can think of. The body and feces fragments are often found in the air, which causes the allergies that you struggle with.
6. Cut Out the Food Supply
You must be sitting here thinking, “But, what do dust mites even eat or feed on?” Well, the mattress filling is a very nice feast for them. Once they have access to your mattress, there is no looking back. You won’t be freed from them until you throw out the mattress.
The best way to prevent them from burrowing into your mattress and other areas is by investing in high-quality and allergen-proof covers. These will create a barrier between the dust mites and the bedding that you have.
Several brands specifically produce allergen-resistant bedding and covers. They are a little expensive but worth every penny you spend on them.
7. Use Diatomaceous Earth
Unless you have dealt with allergies before and have an idea around the same, you’d probably not know what Diatomaceous Earth is. It is technically a multipurpose powder that is obtained by crushing sedimentary rocks. They have higher levels of silica in them, which has been found effective in getting rid of the dust mites for good.
The powder chokes and dehydrates the dust mites, ensuring to kill them rigorously in the process. So, you won’t have to wait for ages to get rid of them. Instead, you can get rid of them in just about no time at all.
The best way to kill dust mites would be by sprinkling a thin layer of this powder over the surfaces you think would be infested. Repeat this for a few more days, and you should be able to get rid of these pests.
8. Groom Your Pets
Yes, your pets are one of the most common carriers of dust mites. If you live in areas prone to dust mites and have furry friends in your house, you need to clean and groom them every time they step inside the house.
Besides that, the dander that pets shed around the house is a crucial food supply for the dust mites. So, if you are cutting out all the food supply, you need to start with this without any questions asked.
9. Talk to Professionals
Lastly, if the infestation has gone out of hand, only professional pest control people can help you fix that. Not only are they experienced dealing with the issue, but they are also highly equipped with the right resources to deal with the infestation.
So, if you can’t clear out these allergens on your own, we’d recommend you look into hiring a reliable and local pest control service provider.
If you were looking at how to get rid of dust mites, we hope this article gives you all the insights that you possibly need to know about. Also, remember that if you are allergic, practice precaution when cleaning the infested areas. Wear masks and gloves to prevent sniffing in the allergens further. This will worsen the situation, leading to more rough fits of coughing and sneezing, something that no one wants to experience.
Also read: How to Get Rid of Flour Mites?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Air Purifiers Get Rid of Dust Mites?
Air purifiers are more of a preventive measure than a killing measure. So, if you want to get rid of them, you need to opt for more potent methods.
What Kills Dust Mites Instantly?
The combination of sprays and aerosols with pyrethrins is found effective in instantly killing the dust mites for good.
Which Scents Do Dust Mites Hate?
Strong essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint are some smells that the dust mites can’t stand at all.
