What Are Dust Mites?

The house dust mite gets its name from its habitat – household dust. The main component of dust is shed skin flakes, which is the mite’s preferred food source. Areas around the home that are heavily used, such as beds and upholstered furniture, will have much higher mite populations than the rest of the house. The most common type of dust mite found in homes is Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus. These mites are associated with dermatological and respiratory allergies in humans, such as eczema and asthma.

Symptoms of Allergic Reaction to Dust Mites

House dust mites can trigger respiratory or dermatological conditions including asthma and eczema. Symptoms can include:

• wheezing
• coughing
• breathlessness
• a tight feeling in the chest
• runny nose
• itchy nose
• itchy eyes
• itchy skin
• skin rashes.

Physical characteristics of the house dust mite

The characteristics of a house dust mite include:

• less than half a millimetre in length, which makes it hard to see with the naked eye
• wingless
• oval-shaped body
• light coloured body with fine stripes
• life span of around two months or so, depending on the conditions.

Allergic Reaction to Dust Mites

Unlike other common household bugs (fleas, for example), dust mites don’t bite. Their bodies, secretions and faeces contain particular proteins that can trigger allergic symptoms in susceptible people.

Common Hiding Spots for Dust Mites

The diet of the house dust mite includes shed skin flakes, pollen and fungal spores. It prefers warm, humid and dark environments. Common hiding spots around the home include:

• mattresses and bed linen
• upholstered furniture
• shag-pile or long fibre carpets
• soft toys

Tips to Reduce Dust Mites in Your Home

Strategies include:

• Cover mattresses, anti dust mite pillow case and quilts with Fern Fabric® dust mite resistant covers. The covers must be washed every three months. Some health funds may provide a rebate for these items.
• Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in water hotter than 55°C. Alternatively, if washing in cold water, use a commercial product containing essential oils, such as eucalyptus or tea tree oil.
• Hot tumble dry (for half an hour after dry) or dry clean household items – this will kill house dust mites, but not the allergen they produce.
• Wash blankets and non-encased doonas every two months.
• Use synthetic rather than feather pillows and doonas, as these tolerate regular washing.
• Remove all soft toys from the bedroom and replace with wooden or plastic toys, which can be washed. Or, if a soft toy is allowed, it should be washed weekly using the same method used for sheets. (Freezing soft toys overnight doesn’t work, because it doesn’t remove the allergen.)
• Damp dust or use electrostatic cloths to clean hard surfaces weekly, rather than a feather duster.
• Reduce humidity – have a dry and well-ventilated house. Have adequate floor and wall insulation and avoid evaporative coolers.
• Avoid upholstered furniture – leather, vinyl, plastic and wood are best.
• Avoid heavy curtains – Venetian blinds or flat blinds are better. Washable curtains or external shutters are other options.
• Wash clothing before use if it has been stored for a long time.
• Remove carpets, rugs and mats (where practical and affordable) – bare boards and tiled floors are preferable as they can be damp mopped or cleaned with electrostatic cloths.
• Wash rugs and mats regularly and dry them outside in full sunshine (if possible).
• Vacuum weekly, including the seams of mattresses and upholstered furniture. Vacuuming causes house dust mite allergens to become airborne for up to 20 minutes, so if you are allergic to dust mites, you should wear a mask or ask someone else to vacuum. You may air the house for an hour or so after vacuum cleaning to help clear the air.