What are dust mites?
Dust mites are tiny insects, measuring only about 0.2-0.3 mm long, that feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and animals. They thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Dust mites themselves are harmless, but their feces and decaying bodies can trigger allergic reactions and asthma in sensitive individuals.
Dust mites feed on the dead skin cells that people and pets shed daily. A single gram of dust can contain up to 100,000 dust mite bodies and feces particles. Dust mites prefer temperatures around 70-80°F and humidity levels of 70-80%. They thrive in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys, all of which provide an abundant food source.
Some key facts about dust mites:
– Microscopic arachnids in the Acari family
– Feed on human and animal dander (dead skin cells)
– Primary habitat is in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets
– Feces and decaying bodies are highly allergenic
– Can trigger asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis, and eczema in sensitive people
Why are dust mites a problem?
For most people, dust mites do not pose a significant health threat. However, for those who are allergic, dust mite allergens can cause major issues like:
– Asthma attacks – Dust mites are a very common indoor asthma trigger. Exposure causes inflammation in the airways.
– Allergic rhinitis – Dust mite allergens can irritate the nasal passages and cause sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and other allergy symptoms.
– Atopic dermatitis – Skin contact with dust mites may cause red, itchy rashes in people with atopic dermatitis (eczema).
– Allergic conjunctivitis – Eye contact with dust mite allergens can cause eye redness, swelling, and itchiness.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), dust mites are the most common cause of year-round allergy and asthma. Between 10-20% of people are allergic to dust mites. Symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy skin.
For children, dust mite exposure has been linked to increased asthma severity and hospitalization rates. Reducing mites in the home can help control asthma and allergy symptoms.
How to get rid of dust mites
Because dust mites are so tiny, it is impossible to eliminate them completely. However, you can reduce dust mite populations to minimize exposure:
– **Wash bedding weekly in hot water** (at least 130°F) to kill mites. Consider mattress and pillow covers to encase mites.
– **Remove clutter** like toys, books, and knickknacks to reduce dust buildup.
– **Use a dehumidifier** to keep indoor humidity under 50%. Mites thrive in damp conditions.
– **Vacuum frequently** using a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove allergens. Concentrate on upholstered furniture and carpets.
– **Clean with diluted bleach** or benzyl benzoate solutions, which are effective mite killers.
– **Freeze or heat treat items** like stuffed toys to kill mites. Temperatures below 32°F or above 130°F are lethal.
– **Avoid upholstered furniture** and opt for leather, wood, vinyl, or plastic furnishings when possible.
– **Use allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers.** Zip them shut to trap mites inside.
Consistency is key for managing dust mites. Ongoing vigilance is required to minimize mite populations and reduce allergen levels indoors.
Can you bomb for dust mites?
Foggers, also known as “bug bombs” or flea bombs, have been used for decades to kill cockroaches, fleas, and other household pests. However, research shows foggers are generally ineffective against dust mites. There are a few reasons why:
– **Mites live deep in fibers** – sprays cannot penetrate well enough to reach mites in mattresses, carpets, furniture.
– **No residual kill** – foggers kill on contact but evaporate quickly and don’t provide ongoing control. Mites repopulate quickly.
– **Allergens persist** – foggers kill mites but don’t destroy the allergen particles in dust and fabrics.
– **Harsh chemicals** – strong pesticides may exacerbate asthma and allergies, and overuse breeds resistant mites.
According to entomologists from the University of Kentucky, foggers and bug bombs are not recommended for dust mite control. The chemicals and insect growth regulators have little residual activity once the fog dissipates. Any surviving mites quickly reestablish colonies once the pesticides fade.
Instead, integrated pest management (IPM) methods like washing bedding, vacuuming, dehumidifying, and mattress covers are suggested. Foggers cannot penetrate deep into soft furnishings to reach the abundant mite populations. Allergen particles also remain after fogging and continue causing allergy symptoms.
Options for whole-home dust mite control
While foggers and bug bombs are not useful against dust mites, some whole-home treatment options can help reduce mite populations throughout a house. Professional pest control techniques like thermal remediation and allergen-proofing provide lasting control when applied properly:
##### Thermal Remediation
– Heats rooms to >130°F, lethal for mites
– Uses electric or propane heaters over 1-2 days
– Reduces mites by 85-90% initially
– Requires follow-up IPM to maintain low mite levels
##### Allergen-Proofing
– High-efficiency vacuum cleaners used intensively
– Anti-allergen sprays applied to soft furnishings
– Hypoallergenic coverings placed on mattresses/pillows
– Repeated over time to keep dust/allergens under control
##### Chemical Treatment
– Miticides or allergen denaturing products applied professionally
– Reduces mites and inactivates allergens initially
– Single application, so mites rebound as chemicals degrade
##### Cold Treatment
– Using liquid nitrogen or dry ice to freeze items
– Temperatures under -4°F kill mites rapidly
– Impractical for whole home, but useful for freezing stuffed toys
A combination of intensive vacuuming, steam cleaning, washing treatments, mattress/pillow encasings, and dehumidification provide the best long-term dust mite reduction without using pesticides. Thermal remediation and allergen proofing may also be warranted for serious dust mite allergy and asthma cases.
Conclusion
Foggers and bug bombs are ineffective against dust mites. Their microscopic size and distribution deep in household fabrics prevent insecticide sprays from reaching the mites. Once the chemicals dissipate, mites quickly recover and multiply. Integrated pest management through cleaning, humidity control, and allergen barriers provides superior long-term control. Thermal remediation and intensive allergen removal applied by professionals can offer more thorough solutions in severe dust mite allergy cases. Ultimately, consistent diligence using multiple methods is needed to minimize exposure to problematic dust mites.