9 Effective Methods on How to Get Rid of Dust Mites in Your House

Dust mites are microscopic pests that feed on dead human skin cells. They do not bite, but their carapaces and feces can cause rashes and allergy symptoms.

These insects are prevalent on surfaces that retain dust, such as mattresses, carpeting, and fabrics. They can be a big problem if you have allergies or asthma and spend a lot of time indoors.

To prevent further problems with having dust mites at home, discover ways to exterminate them using nine methods.

9 Ways to Eliminate Dust Mites 

You can’t instantly remove dust mites from your house, especially when they prefer climates with high humidity. They like to be in your home’s dark, moist, and dusty places. 

Luckily, there are several methods that you can do to decrease their number significantly over time.

Here’s a list of what you can do:

1. Use Allergen-Proof Bedding and Pillow Covers.

When styling a bed, it is advisable to layer up and add many pillows. However, you should note that dust mites can propagate in it. This is why it is vital to use allergen-proof beddings and pillows to act as a barrier.

It protects your pillows and bed from a dust mite infestation. These covers are made from a tightly woven fabric that prevents dust mites from colonizing or escaping the mattresses or pillows.

The dust mites inside the covers eventually die, while others cannot enter.

2. Change and Wash Beddings Weekly.

Changing and washing your bedding frequently can also be another way to control dust mites in your bedroom.

To eliminate dust mites and remove allergies, wash your sheets, blankets, pillows, and bed covers in hot water with a temperature of at least 130 F (54.4 C). If hot washing is not an option, you can put the bedding in the dryer for 15 minutes at a temperature of at least 130 F (54.4 C).

You can also freeze your sheets for 24 hours to kill dust mites, but this will only kill the dust mites and won’t remove the allergens.

3. Decrease Indoor Humidity.

Dust mites take water directly from humidity. It’s essential to keep track of your house’s humidity level and maintain it below 50%.

Do the following to control the humidity in your house:

• Repair water leaks and seepage.
• Install exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchens to move moisture outside.
• Turn off certain appliances, such as humidifiers.
• Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
• Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot and humid seasons and climates.
• Limit plants and fish tanks since they also add humidity.

4. Clean Couches, Curtains, and Cushions.

Dust mites make themselves home in fabrics throughout the house, like upholstered couches and chairs, bedding, carpets, and curtains. You can look for cleaning products that denature or deactivate dust, mite, and other allergens.

5. Buy Washable Stuff Toys.

If you have children fond of stuffed toys at home, try to buy plush toys, stuffed animals, and stuffies that you can wash in hot water. If you can’t wash your stuffed toys, try freezing them.

6. Steam Clean Your Carpets and Furniture.

Dry vacuuming doesn’t effectively remove dust mites and allergens. On the other hand, steam cleaning can kill dust mites with a temperature of at least 200 F. Steam cleaning also kills germs and mold spores.

7. Use Desiccants to Kill Dust Mites.

You know those small silicone gel packets you find in your shoeboxes? Those are called desiccants, and they keep moisture from the box.

Spreading these packets and powders will remove humidity and dehydrate dust mites to death. However, you should keep those away from your children or pets for their safety.

8. Avoid Carpeting in Your House.

Try to avoid installing carpets in your homes. Dust mites thrive in carpets because carpets catch and hold dead skin cell flakes. In addition, carpeting over concrete retains moisture efficiently, giving mites a humid environment to live in.

9. Install Air Purifiers in Your Home.

When you move around a room or disturb dust when making your bed or sleeping, you will likely be exposed to dust mite allergies. If you have an air purifier in the bedroom, these allergens will be sucked in before they can settle.

An air purifier with a high-efficiency particle air (HEPA) filter can also help eliminate these and other allergens from the air.

Wrapping Up

Dust mites are among the most common asthma and allergy triggers lurking in your home. The methods discussed can help minimize the presence of dust mites in your home.

Nonetheless, you must remember that dust mites removal is a continuous process. It is essential to regularly clean the house to reduce dust, especially for people who have allergies.

FAQs on How to Get Rid of Dust Mites

Can dust mites survive inside the human body?

Dust mites can’t survive in the body. Any inflammation or irritation is an allergic reaction to dust mite carapaces and feces. Prolonged exposure to dust mites at home can negatively impact people with asthma and dust allergy.

Do dust mites bite you?

Unlike bed bugs, dust mites are generally harmless and do not bite. However, an allergic reaction to these spider-like creatures may induce skin rashes and round spots called wheals. These skin irritations are often red and itchy and can be mistaken for bites.

What is the most humid area of the house?

Basements are frequently more humid than other rooms. This is due to the moisture from the earth leaking through the basement walls. You can use an air conditioning unit or a dehumidifier to reduce humidity levels in your house.

Sources

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences 

Healthline 

WonderHowTo 

EPA

Philips 

PeaceHealth

Delta Adsorbents

American Lung Association

Bob Vila