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Who Might You Be Sleeping With?
Information about Dust Mites
House-dust mites are found most often in damp places that are also associated with fairly constant occupation by people or pets. In addition to being found in houses, these mites may be found in hospitals, hotels and motels. Within buildings, these mites live in mattresses, pillows, overstuffed furniture and other places where humans rest. The human body constantly gives off moisture which keeps the mites' habitat suitably damp. House-dust mites can also be found in rugs, cracks in the floor and other protected places. Cracks in a room over an unheated area are attractive, because the air in these cracks is usually relatively moist. These mites will eat most anything, but probably depend heavily on flecks or scales of skin which are constantly shed by humans and pets. The average person sheds 1/5-ounce of this dander per week. The mites can also live on dog food, cereals, yeast, ground beef, and various mixtures of human or pet foods which can end up decaying on floors or upholstery. |
Some people are sensitive to these mites or the allergens (allergy-producing chemicals) they produce. An asthma-like reaction generally results, rather than a skin irritation. The allergens produced by the mites are quite stable and will remain for long periods. As a result, elimination of the mites may not provide immediate relief. Vacuuming and electronic dust filters may be helpful.
Chemical controls for the house dust mites include mattress cleaning as well as products such as Sterifab. Cleaning of air ducts and the use of air cleaning machines are useless in most situations even though they are marketed as "mite" removal or killing procedures. Beware of scam artists and advertising that promotes house dust mite control. It usually impossible to kill something you can't even see. |
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