How to Know If You Have Dust Mites in Your Home

Dust mites are among the common allergens that dwell in homes, and they can be bothersome to people with a history of allergies. These tiny, insect-like pests are so small that they are nearly invisible to the naked eye. But if you can't see them, how do you know if you have dust mites?

In this article, we’ll explore what dust mites are, where they can be found, how to know if you have dust mites in your home, and most importantly — how to prevent and get rid of them.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids that thrive in soft, humid environments. Measuring less than half a millimeter in length, these tiny creatures feed primarily on dead skin cells shed by humans and pets.

Dust mites flourish in warm, humid environments, which provide the ideal conditions for their proliferation. While they do not bite or sting, their fecal matter and body parts can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Where are Dust Mites Commonly Found?

Dust mites are commonly found in environments where conditions are warm and humid. They thrive in bedding, such as mattresses, pillows, and blankets, as well as in carpets and upholstered furniture. Damp basements, particularly in old, stored items like boxes of clothing, books, and other fabric-based items are prone to dust mites.

These areas provide an abundant food source from dead skin cells that humans shed and the ideal humidity levels that dust mites need to survive [*].

What Causes Dust Mites in Your Home?

Dust mite invasions in your home are primarily caused by a combination of high humidity and fabric or upholstery home items such as upholstered furniture, bedding, pillows, curtains, carpets and stuffed toys, which provides a favorable environment for these microscopic creatures.

How to Know If You Have Dust Mites in Your Home

Identifying dust mites in your home can be challenging due to their size. However, there are several signs and symptoms that will help you determine their presence:

• Allergy symptoms. If you or someone in your household experiences allergy symptoms like persistent sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and coughing, especially after waking up, they could be a sign of dust mites. If you have a history of asthma, dust mites can worsen asthma symptoms. Allergic conditions like eczema may also be triggered.
• Presence of moisture and mold. Research shows that the presence of moisture and mold is closely associated with increased dust mite populations [*]. If your home has moisture issues and poor ventilation, this would provide the necessary environment for dust mites to multiply fast.
• Skin irritation. Although dust mites do not bite, they can cause skin irritation in some individuals due to an allergic reaction to the proteins in dust mite waste. This irritation may appear as a rash or eczema.

How to Prevent Dust Mites in Your Home

People can take proactive steps to prevent the presence of dust mites in their homes. This usually involves cleaning and making adjustments to their environment. Here are some strategies:

• Use allergen-impermeable encasings. The most effective way to prevent dust mites from causing allergic reactions is to encase mattresses, including box springs, and pillows in covers that are impermeable to mite allergens. One common type of encasing is made from woven microfiber fabric, which are designed to prevent mite allergens from escaping while still allowing air and water vapor to pass through.
• Maintain low humidity. Dust mites thrive in humid environments. Therefore, it’s important to keep indoor humidity low year-round regardless of your outdoor conditions. Aim for humidity levels below 50% by using air conditioning or dehumidifiers.
• Vacuum frequently. Regular vacuuming prevents dust mite allergens from building up. Choose a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to trap them.
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly. Washing bedding at least once a week. Most mites are killed during the washing process. Furthermore, higher water temperature kills more mites, since they are sensitive to heat. Go for the sanitize cycle!
• Use air purifiers. Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove dust mites and other allergens from the air. Place them in bedrooms, living rooms, and other frequently-used areas of the home where dust mite is most likely to accumulate. The bedroom is the
• Don’t neglect stuffed toys. Stuffed toys can be a major harbor for dust mites. If stuffed toys cannot be laundered in very hot water, freeze them overnight once weekly instead.
• Avoid using carpets. If your allergy symptoms persist despite efforts to reduce dust mites, it may be necessary to remove all carpets. Consider replacing them with washable rugs, which can be easily cleaned and maintained.

The Bottom Line

Dust mites are nearly impossible to avoid entirely due to various factors in the home, such as high humidity levels, carpeting and upholstered furniture. Even with diligent cleaning, managing symptoms can still be challenging.

For those seeking additional relief, consider using Allermi nasal spray. Formulated with up to four active ingredients, Allermi is designed to provide both immediate and long-term relief from allergy symptoms to help you breathe easier in your home.

References:

1. Dust Mites and Cockroaches. (n.d.). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/allergens/dustmites
2. Portnoy, J., Miller, J. D., Williams, P. B., Chew, G. L., Miller, J. D., Zaitoun, F., Phipatanakul, W., Kennedy, K., Barnes, C., Grimes, C., Larenas-Linnemann, D., Sublett, J., Bernstein, D., Blessing-Moore, J., Khan, D., Lang, D., Nicklas, R., Oppenheimer, J., Randolph, C., . . . Wallace, D. (2013). Environmental assessment and exposure control of dust mites: a practice parameter. Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, 111(6), 465–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2013.09.018