How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in your Home

Dust mites are tiny creatures that can cause respiratory problems such as sneezing, discharge from the nose and eyes, hives, and coughing. They can be found all over the house, especially in carpets, mattresses, bedcovers, and stuffed toys. They can even be found in the bodies of animals and humans and are difficult to eliminate because of this omnipresent characteristic.

Addressing Dust Mite Problems

• The best way to eliminate dust mites from your home is to clean your house regularly. Carpeted flooring should be vacuumed and mopped periodically to get rid of mites and other germs. All bedcovers, blankets and linen should be washed regularly in warm water. The bed sheets should be thrown back for a few hours daily and the mattress kept as dry as possible to control mite population in the bed area. The house should be well ventilated and full of light, and the humidity inside the home should be kept at no higher than 40 percent as mites thrive in humid conditions. If required, a dehumidifier can be used to control the humidity inside the house.

Products you Could Use

• There are several products currently available in the market that can help you in your fight against dust mites. Dust mite mattress covers ensure that you sleep undisturbed. Bed sheets and pillows made of synthetic materials can control mite populations as these creatures don't thrive in such materials. Heavy curtains that are home to millions of mites could be replaced by wooden slats and blinds. Stuffed toys should also be placed in plastic covers to eliminate dust mites. If required, a hypoallergenic filter should be fitted in the vacuum cleaner to minimize dust mite menace. Lastly, if you own pets, keep their bedding area clean as mites are known to thrive on pet dander.