Dust mites are insects that thrive on mattresses, furniture, carpets and other fabric. They feed on skin flakes shed by people and pets every day, thriving in warm, humid environments. Their presence is associated with reduced respiratory health, triggering asthma and other allergy related attacks. Unfortunately, dust mites can never be totally eliminated from the home. However, the dust mite population in your home can be reduced by proper cleaning, protecting household items and other methods.
Try Not to Sleep on Your Couch or on Your Carpet.
This can attract more dust mites to the area by providing ample food in the form of your dead skin cells. Couches and carpets tend to be more difficult to protect from dust mites than beds. It is better to sleep in a bed with a dust mite cover for protection from allergens and mites.
Change Your Flooring in Bedrooms.
Carpet is a haven for dust mites, especially if it sits on concrete, which holds moisture and provides a humid environment for dust mites. Remove wall-to-wall carpeting to help with dust mite allergies, especially in bedrooms. Replace with bare floors, such as linoleum, tile, vinyl, wood or anti-allergenic carpet.
- Also, remove furnishings that collect dust, such as fabric curtains, horizontal blinds and upholstered furniture.
- Don’t forget to remove all rugs and mats from the home as they too harbor dust mites.
- Bare floors can be damp-mopped or cleaned with electrostatic cloths.
Ventilate your home.
Open windows and screen doors to allow fresh air to circulate. This reduces humidity and can help move dust and other allergens out. Do this often to reduce dust mite populations.
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