Dust Mite Allergies-7 Revealing Facts About Dust Mites In Our Homes

Dust mite allergies can cause people of ages to suffer with symptoms such as congestion, headaches, watery eyes, and sneezing. Here are 7 revelations about the dust mite that provide you with more information about what you're up against, and tips for managing the problem.

1. Constant exposure to the dust mite and its droppings is one the major factors in children who develop asthma. This factor alone is a great motivator to cover your child's mattress, pillows, and box springs in organic cotton encasing. Wash all bed linens weekly in water that is 140 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter. Stuffed toys should be put in plastic bags and put in the freezer for several days once each week. Mites will not survive the cold.

2. The life span of a single dust mite is approximately 30 days. During that time each female can produce as many as 30 eggs, and if each of those produces 20 feces per day, it's easy to see that this allergen is powerful not only because of the protein it contains but because of the sheer numbers involved. Reducing the numbers with a high efficiency particle arresting (or HEPA) air purifier will constantly and effectively reduce their numbers.

3. They cannot survive where the humidity level falls below 40% as they need a moist climate in which to thrive. Using a dehumidifier will make your home less inviting.

4. They are not discriminating about whose dander they consume so if you have warm-blooded pets, be sure to wash their bedding weekly using the same procedure that you do with human bedding.

5. Insecticides have no effect on mites, and it is also not wise to use these particularly around children and pets.

6. There is some good news about these little critters. Fortunately they do not bite like other bugs that are sometimes found in bedding (chiggers, ticks, and spiders). And thankfully they do not spread disease or we would all be in a world of trouble. They only cause problems for those who are allergic to them.

7. Though frequently found in bedding, carpeting, and upholstered furniture, they are easily and constantly sent airborne with daily routines around the house such as making the bed, walking, pets running, or evening vacuuming or dusting. Removing them while they are airborne is another effective way to reduce the number of dust mites in your home.