By Platinum Team May 30, 2015

How to knock dust mites out of your home

House dust mites aren’t exactly a topic most people want to spend time thinking about. But, given that dust mite allergies are among the most prominent allergies in Phoenix, it’s worth taking a moment to understand how you can minimize dust mites in your home. What are dust mites? According to the AZ Allergy Society, house dust mites (scientifically called Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. Farina) are microscopic mites that dwell in our homes. They can be found in our beds, sheets, carpets, sofas and any furnishings that contain moisture. They feed on dead skin found within the dust in our homes, and unfortunately, they leave a few things behind while they’re at it. Healthy Homes reports, “The average house dust mite produces approximately 2,000 fecal particles and even more partially digested enzyme-covered dust particles!” What are the symptoms of dust mite allergies? Experts have pointed to dust mites as a major healthcare problem that can adversely affect people’s daily lives. Symptoms of dust mite allergies include, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, hay fever, eczema and asthma. What can I do to prevent dust mites? The one ingredient dust mites need to survive is humidity. Without humidity, they dry up and die. Given this, the most important thing you can do is to minimize the humidity in your home. For those with major dust mite problems, a dehumidifier may be helpful. AZ Healthy Homes offers several other recommendations:

 -Cover mattresses, pillows and other upholstered articles with allergen-proof encasements. -Wash your sheets weekly, in hot water. -Use foam or and special hypoallergenic bedding (no feather pillows). -Get rid of carpeting if possible and use throw rugs that can be washed or dry cleaned on a regular basis. -If you must have carpeting then vacuum regularly and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. -Keep pets out of the bedroom and definitely off the bed. -Get your home’s air quality inspected by a professional. -Have your home treated to remove dust mite and other allergens and indoor air pollutions. -Install micro-air filters to reduce indoor allergens.

Whether you suffer from allergies or simply care to keep your house tidy, these recommendations can help you minimize the impact of dust mites on your home and life]]>