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by Howard Brule

Dust mites are a common problem, but for a large number people they can cause large problems. These tiny bugs live in nearly every home and survive on old skin cells shed by humans and pets. They are not usually a problem for humans - they don’t bite or suck blood - their feces and dead bodies are so small that they can be inhaled as dust and in some cases cause allergies. An allergy specialist can determine if you are allergic to dust mites.

If someone in your home has an allergy to dust mites, you should try to reduce the number of mites and in so doing eliminate the source of the irritation. One place to start is by making the conditions less attractive to the mites.

Start by reducing the humidity in your residence; when the relative humidity is less than 50 percent in your home, this will have a major impact on the number of dust mites.

Keep your house clean. Use a professional upholstery and carpet cleaning service, especially if you have pets. Vacuum your floors, upholstery, and drapery regularly.

Change your bedding at least weekly and clean it in hot water to kill any existing mites. While your sheets are in the laundry, vacuum your mattresses as thoroughly as possible. Dust mites love to live in our bedding, because we shed millions of skin cells in our beds so this step is especially important for improving the situation.

Use an air filter too, but be sure to find one of the top-of-the-line filters that can catch the tiny mites and the dust they create. Washable filters are not the way to go because they can actually harbor mites and contribute to the problem. Be sure to use approved allergen-reducing filters in your furnace as well.

If your sensitivity is more severe, more drastic measures may be necessary. Unfortunately, household pets are one of the biggest sources of dust mite problems since mites love to feed on their dander. It is impossible to completely eliminate mites when a furry or feathery pet resides in the house. If you can’t sufficiently reduce the mites through any of the other methods, you may need to find a new home for your pets.

Finally, make your home less favorable for the dust mite population. Buy latex covers for your mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpet. Ensure that your furniture is not of the overstuffed variety, since this kind of furniture can be a good home for dust mites.

These steps may seem extreme, but dust mites are very difficult to eliminate. You may need to try several of these methods until your symptoms decrease. Once you are able to live with greater comfort in your home and breathe easier, all of your effort will be well worth it.

Dust mite treatment and carpet cleaning in Toronto area. Find more articles about home cleaning and health in the home at House and Home.