Dust mites are very small organisms and are the main cause of allergy to dust. Symptoms of these allergies include coughing, abnormal nasal secretions, sneezing, stuffy nose, itching in the nose and eye region and, in the worst cases, asthma attacks. Dust mites are part of the arachnids class, being related to spiders and scorpions. You can find them virtually in any corner of your house. You are probably surrounded by thousands of such tiny minions at this very moment. We are constantly exposed to a vast world of microorganisms, of which dust mites are only a small part. These tiny arachnids are not necessarily dangerous, and because you can not see them with the naked eye, it is unlikely to bother you too much. How to get rid of dust mites? Well, firstly, you need to know a few things about them.
Where do dust mites live?
Dust mites are practically invisible organisms (an acarian measure approximately 0.3 mm) that feed on dead cells produced by our skin. The cause of dust allergies is microscopic feces that mites produce. Each dust mite can produce up to 20 such particles every day.
If we take into account that the life of these creatures is 10 weeks, that means that a single dust mite will produce about 2,000 fecal particles throughout its lifetime. Moreover, on a regular bed mattress live thousands, maybe even millions of dust mites!
Male dust mites live for only 10 days, but the life expectancy of females is up to 70 days, during which each of them can deposit 60-100 eggs. At this rate, dust mites can invade any house in just a few weeks.
Dust mites avoid light, which is why they like to hide in the fibers of fabrics and materials, such as those used in the manufacture of upholstery, mattresses, carpets and toys. As far as reproduction is concerned, these microscopic arachnids prefer humid warm places such as attics and basements.
The impact of dust allergies on health
Studies show that dust mites are responsible for about 50% of the symptoms caused by dust allergies. Inhalation of these organisms is the main cause of certain respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, a disease that affects the nasal mucosa and whose symptoms are sneezing, itching, obstructions, nasal secretions, and sometimes even loss of smell. In addition, dust mites can also trigger asthma attacks.
Dust mites can also cause allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eye accompanied by itching, redness, tears, and the sensation that a foreign object has penetrated the eye.
Also, if these pests have prolonged contact with your skin, you can choose with an irritation called atopic dermatitis. The most common symptom of this is the formation of inflamed skin portions.
Long lasting remedies to defeat dust mites
To avoid all problems caused by dust allergies, avoid contact with mites. The key is to keep your house clean and in this sense, there are many natural tricks you can try. There is always a need for a specialist!
A natural spray that kills dust mites
Although stores offer us a wide range of insecticides, we can prepare our own insecticide against mites right at home. With this natural product, you will drive away dust mites from all corners of your home.
Here are the necessary ingredients:
A spray bottle
Half a cup of medicinal spirits
Half a cup of distilled water
30 drops of essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, cypress, cinnamon, etc.)
Put all the ingredients in the spray bottle, mix them well and you’re ready to pull the mites out of your house. Apply the mixture obtained on bedding, pillows, blankets, curtains and in any corner where dust accumulates.
We do not advise you to try this remedy if three-year-olds or pregnant women live in the house. In addition, after using the spray, let the solution evaporate completely before using the items.
The population of dust mites in your home will be considerably reduced for about two months. But to ensure that mites do not invade your house again, apply this spray once every two or three months.
Remedy based on essential oils – how to get rid of dust mites
Another solution on how to get rid of dust mites is to spray an essential oil (lavender, mint, pine, etc.) through the house, so that room air is always fresh. In addition, the odors of these oils are very pleasant.
To kill the dust mites that have infested your bedroom, try a combination of anise, cloves, fennel, thyme, and lavender. The air in your bedroom will smell great, and the room will be cleaner and fresher.
Remember that essential oils are made up of compounds that can cause irritation to certain people. Apply them with moderation and make sure that no person living in your home is allergic to these substances.
It’s not hard at all to get rid of the dust mites in your home, but you have to show little consistency to get the desired results. Be careful to clean the spaces and fabrics where the mites like to hide, especially the mattresses, bedding and carpets in your home.
In addition, it is essential to clean your house in the spring and autumn, as the mites grow most in these two seasons.
Image Credits: visualsunlimited.photoshelter.com
