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Jul
4
Dust Mites: Controlling These Critters
Filed Under Allergies | Leave a Comment
Ben Anton asked:
Anyone suffering from rhinitis allergica, or bronchial asthma, knows that common household dust can be a very serious problem. What asthma sufferers might not realize is that dust mites are a huge contributing factor to their attacks. Dust mites are extremely common in most households (close to 100,000 mites can live in a single square yard of carpet!) and produce waste that can act as an allergen to those with allergy sensitivities. It’s nearly impossible to make your home dust mite-free; however, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the mite population in your home and lower your chances of experiencing an allergic reaction.
Dust Mites 101
It’s important to know just what dust mites are and how they encourage common bronchial asthma symptoms. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed on the dead skin cells shed by humans and pets on a daily basis. Since the average human sheds off close to 10 grams of dead skin a week, beds, couches, and carpets are perfect places for dust mites to get more than enough to eat. Mites prefer moist, warm environments and are invisible to the ***** eye. While the actual mite is generally harmless to most humans, the cast skins and fecal matter produced by dust mites can lead to allergic reactions that include not only asthma but eczema, hay fever, sneezing, watery eyes, and other common allergy symptoms.
Dust mites are one of the most common microscopic organisms that exist in homes. And since they thrive on dead skin cells, they are most common in beds and mattresses. Beds are where one-third of all dust mite populations live. A single mattress can be home to anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites, and mites and their droppings make up ten percent of the weight of a pillow that is only two years old. Adult females can lay up to 80 eggs and the cycle from birth to adult mite is only about one month. Adult mites live roughly one to three months. Dust mites not only will feed off of dead skin cells but also food crumbs, fish flakes, pet food, cereals, and many other nutrient-rich products.
Some people feel the need to test for mites microscopically by collecting fiber samples from mattresses, couches, and carpets, but this practice is unnecessary and costly. There is always an abundant food supply for mites, even in homes that are kept impeccably clean. Instead of worrying about whether or not your home is infested with dust mites (the answer: yes!), it is better to concentrate on ways to control the mite population already present.
Controlling Dust Mites
The best way to control a dust mite infestation is to use plastic or other dust mite-impervious covers on mattresses and couches. Beds are where people are closest to mites and their feces, making them not only a breeding ground for mites but also the place where most allergies begin or are exacerbated. Placing a mite-impermeable mattress cover or fitted sheet on your bed will help prevent the accumulation of human and animal skin cells on the surface of the bed, effectively removing the mites’ food source and eliminating the majority of the population in a short period of time.
Another great way to control mite population is to regularly wash bedding in hot (no less than 130 degrees F) water or freeze bedding and pillows for 24 to 48 hours. Using fabrics with synthetic fibers is another effective means of mite population control. Wool blankets and down pillows have much higher mite counts than nylon sheets or pillows with synthetic fillings. Even something as simple as leaving your bed unmade each morning will help. This allows the sheets to cool and dry out, making the atmosphere unpleasant for mites. Sunlight also kills mites, as will frequent damp dusting, vacuuming, and lowering levels of humidity in the home. Children’s toys can be breeding grounds for dust mites, too. Freezing plush toys for at least 24 hours is a simple and effective way of keeping them dust mite free.
Yes, dust mites are horribly common, filthy organisms. They can irritate already existing skin and bronchial allergies or, over time, create entirely new ones. Luckily, by simply investing in mattress covers, keeping the home cool and dry, and regularly washing and cleaning problem areas, dust mite populations can be easily reduced and their harmful effects all but eliminated.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Anyone suffering from rhinitis allergica, or bronchial asthma, knows that common household dust can be a very serious problem. What asthma sufferers might not realize is that dust mites are a huge contributing factor to their attacks. Dust mites are extremely common in most households (close to 100,000 mites can live in a single square yard of carpet!) and produce waste that can act as an allergen to those with allergy sensitivities. It’s nearly impossible to make your home dust mite-free; however, there are a few steps you can take to help reduce the mite population in your home and lower your chances of experiencing an allergic reaction.
Dust Mites 101
It’s important to know just what dust mites are and how they encourage common bronchial asthma symptoms. Dust mites are microscopic bugs that feed on the dead skin cells shed by humans and pets on a daily basis. Since the average human sheds off close to 10 grams of dead skin a week, beds, couches, and carpets are perfect places for dust mites to get more than enough to eat. Mites prefer moist, warm environments and are invisible to the ***** eye. While the actual mite is generally harmless to most humans, the cast skins and fecal matter produced by dust mites can lead to allergic reactions that include not only asthma but eczema, hay fever, sneezing, watery eyes, and other common allergy symptoms.
Dust mites are one of the most common microscopic organisms that exist in homes. And since they thrive on dead skin cells, they are most common in beds and mattresses. Beds are where one-third of all dust mite populations live. A single mattress can be home to anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites, and mites and their droppings make up ten percent of the weight of a pillow that is only two years old. Adult females can lay up to 80 eggs and the cycle from birth to adult mite is only about one month. Adult mites live roughly one to three months. Dust mites not only will feed off of dead skin cells but also food crumbs, fish flakes, pet food, cereals, and many other nutrient-rich products.
Some people feel the need to test for mites microscopically by collecting fiber samples from mattresses, couches, and carpets, but this practice is unnecessary and costly. There is always an abundant food supply for mites, even in homes that are kept impeccably clean. Instead of worrying about whether or not your home is infested with dust mites (the answer: yes!), it is better to concentrate on ways to control the mite population already present.
Controlling Dust Mites
The best way to control a dust mite infestation is to use plastic or other dust mite-impervious covers on mattresses and couches. Beds are where people are closest to mites and their feces, making them not only a breeding ground for mites but also the place where most allergies begin or are exacerbated. Placing a mite-impermeable mattress cover or fitted sheet on your bed will help prevent the accumulation of human and animal skin cells on the surface of the bed, effectively removing the mites’ food source and eliminating the majority of the population in a short period of time.
Another great way to control mite population is to regularly wash bedding in hot (no less than 130 degrees F) water or freeze bedding and pillows for 24 to 48 hours. Using fabrics with synthetic fibers is another effective means of mite population control. Wool blankets and down pillows have much higher mite counts than nylon sheets or pillows with synthetic fillings. Even something as simple as leaving your bed unmade each morning will help. This allows the sheets to cool and dry out, making the atmosphere unpleasant for mites. Sunlight also kills mites, as will frequent damp dusting, vacuuming, and lowering levels of humidity in the home. Children’s toys can be breeding grounds for dust mites, too. Freezing plush toys for at least 24 hours is a simple and effective way of keeping them dust mite free.
Yes, dust mites are horribly common, filthy organisms. They can irritate already existing skin and bronchial allergies or, over time, create entirely new ones. Luckily, by simply investing in mattress covers, keeping the home cool and dry, and regularly washing and cleaning problem areas, dust mite populations can be easily reduced and their harmful effects all but eliminated.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Jul
1
Alleviating Dust Mite Allergies
Filed Under Allergies | Leave a Comment
Dave J. Davies asked:
Your home could play host to hundreds of thousands, even millions, of tiny little bugs called dust mites. The dust mite is related to a spider, and so tiny that you couldn’t see them. They love to live in warm humid environments. They feed off dead skin cells. They could be in your carpet, your furniture, even your bed. To most people, these little bugs are harmless. Some, however, become allergic, by breathing in the ‘dust’ that dust mites leave behind. This can cause wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes or just general allergic reactions. If you experience indoor allergy like symptoms, especially after laying down in bed for an extended period of time, you could be allergic to dust mites. If you think you do, you can talk to your doctor about getting a skin test. The test will let you know if you are allergic to dust mites or something else. There are a few things you could do to alleviate allergies due to dust mites. You could get rid of the mites that infest your home. There are also allergy shots and medications you can get to help with your symptoms. Different techniques work with different people, and can help alleviate dust mite allergies. Getting Rid Of Dust Mites in Your Home Dust mites can exist everywhere. Usually in areas like carpet or cloth. They like to feed off of the dead skin cells that your body sheds. The most common location for dust mites, and usually the most common problem area, is your bed. For every ounce of dust, there could be 30,000 dust mites. Since the bed is usually the most common place for dust mites and it seems to be the main problem, this is probably the main focus for many in limiting dust mites. You can’t really expect to kill them all off and keep them away, but you can limit your contact with them in your home. Dust mite covers are designed to not let dust mites get through the material. You can get one for your bed and some for your pillows. While you can’t eliminate all dust mites, a dust mite cover will trap dust mites in your bed and in your pillow. You should also wash your bedding regularly, in very hot water. Washing your bedding regularly will help get rid of the dust mites and the dust left behind. Adding bleach to the laundry will help clean it too. (Remember to use color safe bleach when bleaching colored fabrics.) Massive Home Changes to Get Rid Of Dust Mites If simply using the right type of covers on your bed isn’t enough, there are other ways to get rid of the majority of your dust mites. One of the most common recommendations is to purchase a dehumidifier. These devises get rid of the humidity in rooms. Dust mites love warm and humid areas. By getting rid of the humidity, you deter mites. Keeping the humidity level at 50% or below will help a lot. Just remember to clean the dehumidifier as instructed. Another way to get rid of mites is to get rid of the stuff that they are attracted to. Get rid of most of your carpeting, or cloth-covered places where mites like to be. Of course, if you love your carpeting, you could always be sure to clean it properly. Many vacuums are labeled if they are able to get rid of dust mites. Look for vacuums with a HEPA filter. You can also shampoo your carpet clean once in a while. Just remember to thoroughly dry out the carpet as required. Leaving it somewhat moist will only re-attract more mites. There are also some powders that have pesticides in it to help get rid of mites. When it comes down to it, the best way to limit the dust mites in your home is to set up a routine and keep your house clean. You can eliminate the work by getting rid of carpets, or simply work around it using specialized cleaners. Medications That Help With Dust Mite Allergies If you suffer from dust mite allergies, there are some medications that will help you feel better. Avoiding places in your home where dust mites remain, and cleaning up areas where they frequent is the best way to handle dust mite allergies. However, if you still need some relief, there are medications that can be prescribed, or you can buy over the counter. A good over the counter solution to allergies are the popular name brands that you can get in any supermarket or pharmacy. These medications include Benadryl and Claritin. There are also decongestants or nasal sprays that can be added as a combination. Make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking medications regularly. Check with your doctor if your symptoms continue, or get worse, with treatment, or if you experience any unusual side effects. Prescription medications are available for those with severe symptoms. You may have seen commercials for Zyrtec or Clarinex on television, medications that are long acting antihistamines. There are also nasal sprays and other products available to help relieve your symptoms. If you have severe allergic reactions, you might consider getting an injection from the doctor. Allergy injections can help reduce your sensitivity to dust mites and other allergens. These are also called immunotherapy. What happens is you’re given an injection once or twice a week to reach the right dosage, and then once that is achieved, you’ll get allergy shots every four weeks. Remember that while you can’t get rid of all dust mites, and that some medications might relieve some symptoms, doing a combination might make all the difference. Many people with dust mite allergies live symptom free, or nearly free, lives using different techniques. There are discussion groups online to help discuss ideas and alternatives to treatment and prevention. These groups can also relate how different medications or solutions worked with them. If you know you suffer from allergies, or think you do, contact your doctor to discuss options.
Your home could play host to hundreds of thousands, even millions, of tiny little bugs called dust mites. The dust mite is related to a spider, and so tiny that you couldn’t see them. They love to live in warm humid environments. They feed off dead skin cells. They could be in your carpet, your furniture, even your bed. To most people, these little bugs are harmless. Some, however, become allergic, by breathing in the ‘dust’ that dust mites leave behind. This can cause wheezing, sneezing, watery eyes or just general allergic reactions. If you experience indoor allergy like symptoms, especially after laying down in bed for an extended period of time, you could be allergic to dust mites. If you think you do, you can talk to your doctor about getting a skin test. The test will let you know if you are allergic to dust mites or something else. There are a few things you could do to alleviate allergies due to dust mites. You could get rid of the mites that infest your home. There are also allergy shots and medications you can get to help with your symptoms. Different techniques work with different people, and can help alleviate dust mite allergies. Getting Rid Of Dust Mites in Your Home Dust mites can exist everywhere. Usually in areas like carpet or cloth. They like to feed off of the dead skin cells that your body sheds. The most common location for dust mites, and usually the most common problem area, is your bed. For every ounce of dust, there could be 30,000 dust mites. Since the bed is usually the most common place for dust mites and it seems to be the main problem, this is probably the main focus for many in limiting dust mites. You can’t really expect to kill them all off and keep them away, but you can limit your contact with them in your home. Dust mite covers are designed to not let dust mites get through the material. You can get one for your bed and some for your pillows. While you can’t eliminate all dust mites, a dust mite cover will trap dust mites in your bed and in your pillow. You should also wash your bedding regularly, in very hot water. Washing your bedding regularly will help get rid of the dust mites and the dust left behind. Adding bleach to the laundry will help clean it too. (Remember to use color safe bleach when bleaching colored fabrics.) Massive Home Changes to Get Rid Of Dust Mites If simply using the right type of covers on your bed isn’t enough, there are other ways to get rid of the majority of your dust mites. One of the most common recommendations is to purchase a dehumidifier. These devises get rid of the humidity in rooms. Dust mites love warm and humid areas. By getting rid of the humidity, you deter mites. Keeping the humidity level at 50% or below will help a lot. Just remember to clean the dehumidifier as instructed. Another way to get rid of mites is to get rid of the stuff that they are attracted to. Get rid of most of your carpeting, or cloth-covered places where mites like to be. Of course, if you love your carpeting, you could always be sure to clean it properly. Many vacuums are labeled if they are able to get rid of dust mites. Look for vacuums with a HEPA filter. You can also shampoo your carpet clean once in a while. Just remember to thoroughly dry out the carpet as required. Leaving it somewhat moist will only re-attract more mites. There are also some powders that have pesticides in it to help get rid of mites. When it comes down to it, the best way to limit the dust mites in your home is to set up a routine and keep your house clean. You can eliminate the work by getting rid of carpets, or simply work around it using specialized cleaners. Medications That Help With Dust Mite Allergies If you suffer from dust mite allergies, there are some medications that will help you feel better. Avoiding places in your home where dust mites remain, and cleaning up areas where they frequent is the best way to handle dust mite allergies. However, if you still need some relief, there are medications that can be prescribed, or you can buy over the counter. A good over the counter solution to allergies are the popular name brands that you can get in any supermarket or pharmacy. These medications include Benadryl and Claritin. There are also decongestants or nasal sprays that can be added as a combination. Make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking medications regularly. Check with your doctor if your symptoms continue, or get worse, with treatment, or if you experience any unusual side effects. Prescription medications are available for those with severe symptoms. You may have seen commercials for Zyrtec or Clarinex on television, medications that are long acting antihistamines. There are also nasal sprays and other products available to help relieve your symptoms. If you have severe allergic reactions, you might consider getting an injection from the doctor. Allergy injections can help reduce your sensitivity to dust mites and other allergens. These are also called immunotherapy. What happens is you’re given an injection once or twice a week to reach the right dosage, and then once that is achieved, you’ll get allergy shots every four weeks. Remember that while you can’t get rid of all dust mites, and that some medications might relieve some symptoms, doing a combination might make all the difference. Many people with dust mite allergies live symptom free, or nearly free, lives using different techniques. There are discussion groups online to help discuss ideas and alternatives to treatment and prevention. These groups can also relate how different medications or solutions worked with them. If you know you suffer from allergies, or think you do, contact your doctor to discuss options.