How To Prevent House Dust Mite From Infesting Your Home
House dust mites are named after their habitat - household dust. Dust is primarily made up of shed skin flakes, which are the favorite food of mites.
It is likely that the mite population will be higher around heavily used areas of the house, such as beds and upholstered furniture.
Although house dust mites can't be completely eradicated, their numbers can be reduced
House dust mites are known to trigger skin allergies and respiratory allergies, including eczema and asthma. In spite of the fact that it is not clear whether dust mites cause allergy symptoms, there are many factors that may contribute to this. Asthma, for example, can be caused by indoor allergens such as mold and animal dander (hair, fur, feathers).
Allergic reaction to house dust mites
In contrast to other household pests (such as fleas, for example), the house dust mite does not bite. However, certain proteins in their bodies, secretions, and feces can trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitivities.
How to reduce dust mites in your home
Dust mites are impossible to eliminate, but their numbers can be reduced. Since allergic reactions are dose-dependent, fewer dust mites in your home increase your chances of not developing respiratory or dermatological symptoms.
When dust mites die, their droppings are still capable of causing allergic reactions. In addition to reducing dust mite populations, it is imperative to remove dead bodies and feces from the house.
Tips to reduce dust mites in the home
Strategies for reducing allergens include:
- Maintain a clean home by deep cleaning every month to prevent allergens
- Protect mattresses, pillows, and quilts with dust mite-proof covers. Wash them twice a year. You may receive a rebate from your health insurance company for these items.
- Wash sheets and pillowcases occasionally in water that is hotter than 60 °C. If you wash with cold water, you can also use a commercial product that contains essential oils, such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
- Removing all sheepskin or woolen underlays and other sheepskin products.
- You should replace all soft toys in the bedroom with wooden or plastic toys
- Clean hard surfaces weekly with dampened dust or electrostatic cloths instead of a feather duster.
- Maintain a dry and well-ventilated house to reduce humidity. Do not use evaporative coolers and install adequate floor and wall insulation.
- Leather, vinyl, plastic, and wood are all better options than upholstered furniture.
- Instead of heavy curtains, use Venetian blinds or flat blinds. You can also use shutters or washable curtains.
- It is advisable to wash clothing that has been stored for a long time before using it.
- Get rid of carpets, rugs, and mats (when possible and affordable) - bare boards and tile floors can be damp mops or cleaned with electrostatic cloths.
- Clean and dry mats and rugs in the sun if possible.
- Make sure to vacuum weekly, including mattress seams and upholstered furniture. Up to 20 minutes after vacuuming, dust mite allergens can become airborne, so if you are allergic to dust mites, wear a mask or let someone else vacuum for you.
- After vacuuming, it may be beneficial to let the house air for an hour or so.
In conclusion, you need to deep clean your home regularly to dust off your house and reduce the number of dust mites. If you don't know how to deep clean your house or if you simply don't have time to do it, consider calling Ocean Cleans - a professional cleaning service - via +65 6334 3309 and let them take care of the rest.
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