Further Reading

Dust mites are very common, but for some people they can cause large problems. These tiny critters live in nearly every home and feed on old skin cells shed by humans and pets. They are not usually a problem for humans - they don't bite people or suck blood - their waste products and dead remains are so small that they can be inhaled as dust and cause allergies in sensitive people. An allergist can determine if you are allergic to dust mites.

If a person living in your home is allergic to dust mites, you should try to reduce the mite population and in so doing eliminate the source of the irritation. One place to start is by making the conditions less favorable for the mites.

Start by reducing the humidity in your house; when the humidity level is lower than 50 percent in your home, you will experience a greatly reduced dust mite population.

Cleaning your house regularly is also good. Use a professional upholstery and carpet cleaning service, especially if you have pets. Clean and vacuum your drapery, floors, and upholstery regularly.

Change your bedding at least once a week and wash it in hot water to kill any existing mites. While your sheets are in the laundry, vacuum your mattresses as thoroughly as possible. Dust mites love to live in our bedding, because of all the old dead skin cells we shed so this step is especially important for reducing allergic reactions.

An air filter can help, but be sure to use a high quality filter that can catch the very small mites and the dust they create. Don't use a washable filter because they can actually harbor mites and contribute to the problem. Be sure to use approved allergen-reducing filters in your furnace as well.

If your sensitivity is more severe, you may have to take more drastic measures. Unfortunately, household pets are one of the biggest sources of dust mite problems since mites love to feed on their dander. If you cannot reduce the mite population with a pet in the house you may have to move the pet out of the house.

Finally, make your home less favorable for the dust mite population. Buy latex covers for your mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpet. Do not have overstuffed furniture, since this kind of furniture can be very attractive to the dust mite population.

These steps may seem like overkill, but dust mites are very troublesome to get rid of. Experiment with several of these methods until your reactions decrease. Once you are able to live with greater comfort in your home and breathe easier, all of your effort will be well worth it.

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