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On the JJ Barnes Blog, I decide to give myself the creeps and learn how to avoid dust mites, what to do if you get them, and what the signs are that you’ve got them already.
Dust Mites
Having already given myself the creeps learning the ins and outs of bed bugs, I decided to turn my attention to another icky threat that might invade my home; dust mites.
Don’t let their miniscule size fool you, dust mites are microscopic menace that can lurk in the shadows of your home. These eight-legged arthropods, about the size of a grain of sand, live and thrive in warm, humid environments, particularly fond of mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstery. While they don’t bite or sting, their presence can unleash a barrage of misery in the form of allergies and asthma.
How Do Dust Mites Hurt Us?
Dust mites feast on dead skin flakes, shedding microscopic fecal pellets and body parts that trigger allergic reactions in millions of people. These allergens can cause a cascade of symptoms, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Eczema
How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites
The good news is, you can combat the dust mite menace with smart prevention tactics:
- Clean regularly: Vacuum often, especially upholstered furniture and carpets. Wash bedding in hot water (at least 130°F) weekly.
- Control humidity: Keep humidity levels below 50% using a dehumidifier.
- Air it out: Open windows to promote air circulation and sunlight exposure.
- Encase your mattress and pillows: Dust mite covers create a physical barrier, trapping the critters inside.
- Invest in hypoallergenic filters: Use allergen-capturing filters in vacuums and air purifiers.
DON’T make your bed and enjoy some health benefits
A perfectly made bed is a hotspot for dust mites, serving as an ideal, warm space for these insects to survive and thrive. The experts at Zoma Sleep recommend leaving your bed unmade in the morning to help eliminate some of the dust mites found within your sheets.
Making your bed in the morning allows them to survive and reproduce, multiplying and growing, which in turn may trigger asthma, eczema, or possible allergies similar to hay fever. Symptoms may include nasal congestion, skin rashes, sneezing and watery eyes.
Simply leaving your bed sheets unmade for 30 minutes or one hour can starve dust mites, removing many of them from your bedding. This period will allow moisture and sweat obtained overnight to be released from your bed. The lack of moisture and vulnerability to the air means this quick and easy task will make your bedroom a healthier environment.
Change your bed sheets every week to reduce dust mites
While not making your bed is a quick and easy hack to eliminate dust mites, there are a few other measures you can take to keep your bed as dust-mite-free as possible. Maintaining a fresh, well-ventilated bedroom leaves less space for dust mites to live and reproduce.
Experts recommend washing your bed sheets once every week to help combat this issue. By washing your sheets or changing your bedding, you remove the build-up of moisture from used sheets, killing the dust mites that are festering in those warm spots of your bedding.
Hoovering your mattress, chairs and all other upholstery, as well as maintaining a well-ventilated bedroom, will also kill dust mites and make your home less hospitable to them. You can also invest in wool bedding to reduce moisture for a more peaceful sleep free from dust mites.
Unfortunately, completely eliminating all dust mites is impossible, but by following these simple steps, you will create a healthier, cleaner bedroom to enjoy a better night’s sleep.
When Prevention Of Dust Mites Fails
If dust mites have already taken root and your allergies are flaring, don’t despair! These strategies can offer relief:
- Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines and decongestants can help manage allergy symptoms.
- Prescription medication: Severe cases may require prescription medication or immunotherapy.
- Professional deep cleaning: Consider hiring a professional carpet and upholstery cleaning service to tackle entrenched dust mite populations.
Conclusion
Remember, conquering dust mites is a battle, not a one-time skirmish. Consistent prevention and, if necessary, treatment are key to keeping these microscopic terrorists at bay and reclaiming your home as a haven of allergy-free peace.
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