Home Remedies for Dust Mites

There are many things found in household dust which cause allergy symptoms in humans. The most common is the house dust mite, a tiny microscopic relative of the spider family.

Lack of food is not a problem for this pest, since the primary food source is human skin flakes, and pet dander. Allergen proteins in mites (alive or dead) are present in shed cast (shells), secretions, and feces. It is common to find thousands of mites in a single gram (about the weight of a large paperclip) of dust (each female can lay up to 50 eggs a piece), or to have a mattress infested with millions of dust mites. House dust mites and the sensitivity causing particles are present in the home year-round. Don’t worry there are home remedies for dust mites listed below.

The highest levels of skin flakes and dander are in places with the most human and pet activity. Mites are highest populated in beds, over-stuffed furniture, carpet, bedding, curtains, and pillows which trap dust, dander, and moisture. Routine and vigorous cleaning often makes allergies worse by causing tiny fecal particles to become airborne and inhaled. Sounds gross, right? Keep reading to find home remedies for dust mites.

The perfect habitat for this pest is a warm home with high relative humidity. Relative humidity is higher in places where humans and pets spend the most time. Mattresses, sofas, carpet, and other soft furnishings trap and accumulate dust, dander, and moisture making them the best habitats for mites. Since mites absorb moisture through their skin, they are vulnerable to dehydration, and humidity levels within the home have the greatest effect on survival. Populations tend to be lowest in dry climates. Read below for home remedies for dust mites.

Home Remedies for dust mites:

1. Remove or change home furnishing that accumulate dust and give a home for mites. Throw away old blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. Dust mite proof your home!
2. Carpet is the perfect breeding ground for dust mites. Consider having hardwood, tile, or linoleum floors. These are much easier to keep dust free.
3. Clean your house regularly using a vacuum with a if you have carpeting.
4. Install in your furnace and air conditioner. Change these filters out every 3 months. If you have reusable filters, you can rinse them off at the same interval.
5. If you live in a humid climate, use a to keep humidity below 55% in the home.
6. Use a for mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture. Frequently wash bedding in at least once a week.
7. Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust. Using a dry cloth stirs up the dust and puts allergens in the air.
8. If any of your fabric items are small enough to fit in the freezer, you can freeze the item to kill the dust mites.
9. Use an and spray mixture. Tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils are known natural repellants. Mix two teaspoons of essential oil, two teaspoons of white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray your furnishings every 2-3 weeks will help keep these pests away.
10. Keep pets off human bedding as much as possible. Having pets groomed often will help cut a food source for mites. Brushing your pet outside will help prevent spreading dander in your home.
11. The minimalist approach. Get rid of clutter to have less places for dust mites to make a home.
12. Use a food grade (DE). DE is a natural silica sedentary rock, and in powder form gets rid of dust mites by causing dehydration. Allow the powder to sit up to an hour before vacuuming.

While it is almost impossible to eradicate dust mites, these home remedies for dust mites will help lower mite infestation.

More info? For more information about indoor air quality, check out our other post: MOST COMMON INDOOR AIR POLLUTANTS

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