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Dust Mite Control
Description: House dust mites are microscopic, eight legged creatures, 0.3 mm in length, and invisible to the human eye. They are arachnids relatives of spiders, not insects. The mites are globular in shape, clear to creamy white in color, with hairs on their legs and body. There are two common species in the United States, Dermatophagoides farinae and D. pteronyssinus.
Dust mites are second only to pollen in causing allergic reactions. Asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis are the three main allergic diseases where the cause of most attacks has been linked to them. It is not only the dust mite that causes the problem. The allergen which causes these allergic reactions is actually a protein found in their droppings and carcasses.
Recent studies suggest that at least 45 percent of young people with asthma are allergic to house dust mites. Unlike "seasonal" allergies caused by molds and pollen, people who are allergic to dust mites often will have symptoms year round.
Life Cycle: Adult females lay 40 to 80 cream-colored elliptical eggs. After eggs hatch, they pass through six developmental stages, and the adult form may also molt once. The life cycle from egg to adult is about one month with the adult living an additional one to three months.
A primary source of dust mite exposure in the home is in the bedroom, which provides the best conditions of warmth, humidity, and food for their growth. Dust mites survive by eating dead skin cells, which make up to 80% of house dust. They also live off water vapor, which we provide for them through perspiring and breathing, approximately one pint per person per night.
Control: Complete elimination of house dust mites is not a realistic goal, but mite management should revolve around reducing human exposure to allergens as well as making the environment inhospitable to house dust mites. Sleeping areas deserve the most attention. The following measures should be taken:
• Select appropriate furnishings. Avoid furniture that collects dust, like overstuffed furniture made of fuzzy textiles.
• Enclose mattresses in plastic covers to decrease populations of mites in the bed. Replace feather pillows and down quilts with synthetic fibers.
• Wash bedding materials, including pillow cases, sheets, blankets and mattress pads every other week in hot water (130 degrees F).
• Avoid using curtains, drapes or blinds on windows. Use plastic shades instead.
• Eliminate or reduce fabric wall hangings such as tapestries or pennants.
• Wall to wall carpet should be reduced, and replaced where possible with smooth hard surfaces that are easy to clean.
• Avoid furry or feathered pets. Pets that have fur or feather contribute dander to the dust and increase the food source for mites.
• Vacuum on a regular basis, including all mattresses, especially the seams and framework of the bed.
• Reduce humidity levels in the house to below 70%.
• Specially formulated borates will provide long lasting control over dust mites.
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