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Dust Mite Allergy Control
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Block the allergen and treat the allergy -
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Summary:
Effectively dealing with allergies caused by dust
mites involves separating yourself from the
allergens, treating the allergy, and reducing dust
mite numbers. Use the information below to do all
three.
Jack
DeAngelis, PhD
OSU
Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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Dust mite biology
Dust mites are
very small and you can't see them directly with the
naked eye but almost every house has dust mites,
some have more than others. Dust
mite eggs develop into adults in about one month
under ideal conditions and mites feed on pollen,
fungi, skin flakes, dander, and natural fibers. Dust
mite numbers increase between about 50 and 90
degrees F. and high relative humidity of between
60-90%. For this reason dust mites tend to be
more numerous in the spring and fall when
the indoor humidity is a little higher.
Heating during winter
months tends to dry out houses and reduces dust mite
numbers. However, since windows are closed in
winter, which increases indoor air pollution, dust
mite allergies may actually be worse during winter
months. House dust mites do not bite or otherwise
cause injury.
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A mold mite
(related to dust mites), Tyrophagus
putrescentiae, magnified about 100x.
USDA/ARS; Photo
by Eric Erbe; digital colorization by Chris
Pooley.
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Dust mite allergy
House dust mites are
important because of the allergens they
excrete. When inhaled, the allergens can cause
asthma in the most extreme case, or only rhinitis --
a stuffy, inflamed nose. Dust mite allergen is
composed of mite fecal material and fragments of the
mites themselves. Obviously, individual people
differ in their tolerance to the mite allergen. Some
people never exhibit any allergic reaction, while in
others a life-threatening asthma attack may occur
(see What
Causes Dust Mite Allergy).
Steps to treating
dust mite allergy
First a word of
caution -- don't get carried away with trying to
completely eliminate house dust mites from your
home. These mites are, in many ways, a natural
part of our indoor ecosystem. Concentrate instead
on reducing the impact of the allergy on your
life.
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Never use
insecticides indoors to control dust mites, try
the other options outlined here instead. Applying
toxic insecticides all over the house may, and
probably will, make any respiratory problems you
may have even worse.
You should discuss a
serious allergic reaction with your
physician or allergist. Tests and medications are
available to treat dust mite allergy and asthma. Serious
allergic reactions should be treated medically.
For milder cases use the suggestions below.
Mite numbers, and the
allergen pool, can be reduced by lowering
indoor humidity by either central heating or
air conditioning. Also, try to control
other sources of allergen such as cockroaches,
fleas and silverfish. Keep pets, and their dander,
out of the bedroom and limit the use natural fiber
furnishings like rugs. Add a room air purifier to
the bedroom (see Room
Air Purifiers) and regularly clean or
replace filters in central air conditioning and
heating systems.
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Cover bedding with
washable, allergen-proof covers (see Mattress and Pillow Covers).
These bed covers effectively separate you from the
accumulated allergen pool that is present in every
bed and pillow no matter how often it is cleaned.
Remove as much fabric and carpeting as possible from
the bedroom because wood or tile flooring is much
easier to clean. Shampoo rugs and fabric-covered
furniture to eliminate as much surface dust as
possible. Wet-clean any remaining carpets regularly
because vacuuming alone may actually make things
worse by stirring up dust and allergens.
House Dust Mites and Dust
Mite Allergy
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Mission: To
provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information
for solving common insect and mite problems around
your home, business and landscape using least-toxic
methods.
Jack DeAngelis,
Ph.D.
Please see the Disclaimer statements as
well.
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2004-... LivingWithBugs, LLC. All
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