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Dealing Dust Mites
- Block the allergen and treat the allergy -
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Summary: Effectively dealing with dust mite allergy involves sealing off the allergen pool, treating the allergy and reducing dust mite numbers.
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. Almost every house has dust mites but some houses have more than others. Dust mite eggs develop into adults in about one month under ideal conditions. The mites feed on pollen, skin flakes (dander), and natural fibers. Growth in the population occurs between 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 humidity indoors is a little higher.
Heating during winter months tends dries out houses and reduces dust mite numbers. However, since windows are closed in winter, which increases indoor air pollution, allergies may actually be worse. 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 damage
The importance of house dust mites is in the allergens they excrete. When inhaled, the allergens can cause asthma, in the extreme case, or 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.
Dust mite allergy treatment
You should discuss a serious allergic reaction with your physician or allergist. Tests are available to determine if dust mite allergen is responsible. Serious allergic reactions should be treated medically.
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Reduce dust mite numbers and airborne allergen
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. Finally, install a room air purifier in bedrooms to filter out airborne allergen.
General cleaning is an effective tool against dust mites and allergen. Shampoo rugs and fabric-covered furniture and eliminate as much surface dust as possible. Remove carpets from bedrooms -- wood or tile flooring is easier to clean than carpets. Wet-clean remaining carpets regularly. Vacuuming alone may actually make things worse by stirring up dust and allergens.
Separate yourself from the dust mite allergens
Encase mattresses and pillows in covers that prevent allergens that have accumulated in these articles from getting into the air and inhaled. 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.
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Steps to managing dust mite allergy
First a word of caution -- don't get carried away with trying to eliminate house dust mites. Never use insecticides indoors to control dust mites. Rather, try the other options. Applying toxic insecticides all over the house may, and probably will, make your respiratory problems worse.
(1) Seek medical attention for the allergy. New medications are available to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
(2) Cover bedding with washable, allergen-proof covers.
(3) Remove as much fabric and carpeting as possible from the bedroom. Regularly wet-clean floors, windows, curtains and furniture.
(4) Add a room air purifier to the bedroom. Clean or replace filters on central air conditioning and heating systems.
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