No homeowner wants to imagine tiny microscopic creatures crawling around your house feeding on dead flakes of skin. Trust me, I know that is one of the most disturbing mental images ever. Sadly, these nasty little creatures, dust mites, make homes out of our mattresses, bedding, furniture, curtains, and carpet, and cause a wide array of health problems like allergic reactions, asthma, and respiratory diseases.

For the sake of your general health, following these five ways to get rid of dust mites and save yourself headache in the future.

Top 5 Ways to Get Rid of Dust Mites

 
Kill Their Water Source

Unlike humans who drink water through with their mouths, dust mites actually suck water through condensation in the air. If you live in a humid environment, in most cases, you have encountered dust mites. They love the humidity because humid environments are the only environments in which they can survive and thrive. Therefore, if you want to solve the problem long-term, you need to use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to maintain relative humidity in your home or building. Keep the relative humidity below 50% throughout the day and night for best results.

Wash Out All Existing Dust Mites

Kill the little critters where they hang out the most, which encompasses mattresses, pillows, furniture, and carpets. By washing bedding, pillow cases, and blankets once a week in hot water, you will eliminate current dust mite infestations within your living quarters. If you cannot wash a certain fabric in hot water, freezing it will do the same thing. Dust mites do not like extreme temperatures.

Remove the Carpet and Cover Furniture

I know some people still like carpet because hard floors put pressure on feet over time and are cold at night during winter month. But in order to really fix a dust mite problem, you may need to make some sacrifices for the greater good. Dust mites love carpet and if you currently have carpet in a humid climate, I am positive that you have dust mites.

If you walk into your home and smell a “musty odor” believe me when I say it’s not your pet. Eliminating carpet will help with many allergies and dust mites will be less prevalent within your home. In addition, investing in furniture and bed covers, such as dust-proof or allergen impermeable covers, will save you from further infestation.

Replace the Wool

If you have wool or feathered bedding, which may be comfortable and lovely to sleep in, than you are only increasing your chances of an infestation. Dust mites love wool and feathered materials as habitats so the sooner you get rid of these materials the better you are. Instead of wool or feather, use synthetic materials that are hot water washable.

Vacuum and Damp Mop

When you are cleaning your home, particularly your bedroom, make sure that you are covering your face and mouth by using a mask of some sort. When dusting, make sure you are using a damp cloth or mop rather than a dry cloth. When vacuuming, please make sure to leave the area after vacuuming because dust has been stirred up and needs time to settle before inhalation.

This article was written by David Holly. As a Florida native, David knows the headaches that comes along with year-long humidity from mold and mildew to excessive dust mites. Luckily, after his investment in an air cleaner, these problems have become a worry of the past. David uses his knowledge and experience as a professional writer for www.AirCleaners.com. You can see more of his work by visiting his Google+.
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