Unbeknownst to you, your quality of life can be affected by organisms you haven’t seen: dust mites. They can populate your bathrooms, kitchen, furniture, and even the bed you sleep on!
These tiny microscopic creatures can cause allergic reactions, skin rashes and breathing problems. These reactions can aggravate pre-existing health conditions such as asthma. Children are most often affected. The fact is that during the game they can accidentally swallow or inhale dust mites. Though invisible to the naked eye, there are signs which will let you know that there are dust mites in your house. You can then take the necessary steps to clean your home and prevent them from returning.
Signs that you have dust mites in your home
Please note that ticks measure on average 0.1 to 0.6 millimeters. Therefore, they are more difficult to detect compared to other parasites such as bedbugs, fleas, ticks, etc. But you may suspect their presence if you notice certain signs of an allergy. Allergic reactions are actually causeddust mite excrement which are crusted with the dust we end up breathing. The following symptoms should alert you:
- constant runny nose;
- frequent sneezing
- itching in the throat;
- eye irritation;
- unexplained itching;
- frequent skin irritations;
- asthma attacks;
- etc.
Know that there is a skin or blood test to determine the presence of mites and the level of infestation in your home.
Note: Dust mites love warm and humid environments. They often nest in bedding, pillows, mattresses, rugs, cushions and other soft objects.
How to get rid of dust mites?
Effective acaricides are available on the market. They are usually sold asspray aerosols. This alternative has the advantage of killing not only adult mites, but also their larvae and eggs. The downside is that they produce chemicals (endocrine disruptors). may be toxic.
There are environmental solutions such as the use of essential oils. Thus, cedarwood, lavender, lemon, mint, or even cloves are particularly effective. You can prepare a homemade solution to spray on the surface of your home. An additive can be added to treat laundry against dust mites.
READ ALSO: Allergy to dust mites: the main signs
Another method is to sprinkle with baking soda or diatomaceous earth in infected areas. Don’t forget to clean the floor, bedding, curtains and carpet. If you are short on time, you can call a professional pest control.
Note: Waste and skeletons of dust mites can also cause allergies. Therefore, prevention is better than cure.
How to protect your home from dust mites?
Just take a few good habits To avoid dust mites in your home or bedroom:
- vacuum regularly with HEPA;
- clean every corner, including under furniture;
- change sheets regularly (at least once a week);
- regularly clean carpets, bedding and rugs;
- wash clothes at 60°C;
- ventilate the house daily (this will reduce humidity);
- use dust mite covers on mattresses while you are away.