Where Are Dust Mites Found?
Dust mites thrive in warm, humid or damp conditions where humidity levels exceed 70% and room temperatures range between 68F and 84F. They live on a diet of dead skin scales, which we and our pets shed daily. They are invisible to the naked eye and can inhabit mattresses, pillows, blankets, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, and old clothing. Even new mattresses, pillows, quilts, and carpets marked Allergy Free may soon build up house dust mites. Because the fecal matter from dust mites is so tiny and light, it easily becomes airborne when disturbed by someone walking on the carpet, sitting in an upholstered chair, rolling over in bed, or vacuuming and dusting. Once airborne the fecal matter eventually becomes part of normal house dust and settles onto numerous items in the home. Will killing the dust mites reduce my symptoms? You must treat the allergen itself to reduce your allergy and asthma symptoms. Many people believe that by treating their home with products that kill the d
Dust mites are everywhere, even in the cleanest of houses. “You can’t get rid of [dust mites]; there is no way,” says Julie McNairn, MD, an allergist/immunologist in Cincinnati. “You have to just contain them.” Dead dust mites and dust mite waste products make up some of the dust you can see floating in the air or sitting on a hard surface. They also live in your bedding, upholstered furniture, rugs, and carpeting. Since dust mites thrive when the humidity is high, there are typically more dust mites in the summer and fewer in the winter. In warmer, more humid climates, however, dust mites are plentiful throughout the year. Diagnosing Dust Mite Allergies If you have asthma or sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes that bother you all year — or all season — long, an allergist can find out if dust mite allergens are triggering your symptoms. Without allergy testing, it’ll be difficult to tell whether you’re reacting to dust mites or have an allergy to another substance, such a
