Dust Mites
Every home has dust mites.
They feed on skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers’ clothes, stuffed toys, and fabric.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, both the body parts and feces of dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with an allergic reaction to dust mites.
To reduce dust mite exposure:
- Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers.
- Wash all bedding and blankets once a week in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill dust mites.
- Replace wool or feathered bedding with synthetic materials, and make sure all stuffed animals are washable.
- Replace wall-to-wall carpets in bedrooms with bare floors (linoleum, tile, or wood).
- Use a damp mop or rag to remove dust from surfaces. Never use a dry cloth, which just stirs up mite allergens.
- Most importantly, to prevent dust mites all together, maintain low indoor humidity levels at 50 percent or below through proper air conditioning, dehumidification, and ventilation of your home.
