Are you taking care of your skin and still experiencing rashes or inflammation? This could be due to dust mites. These tiny creatures, often found in bed sheets and blankets, are a top priority for elimination from homes. Despite their small size, the harm they can cause to the human body is even worse than that of cockroaches. Can you imagine that? As the weather gets warmer and it becomes a good time for deep cleaning, how about trying to eradicate these house dust mites?
Are they really there even if we can’t see them?
House dust mites are tiny pests, about 0.0157 inches in size, and are so small and transparent that they are hard to see with the naked eye. While mites do not attach themselves to humans or suck blood, they can cause allergies. Even the best mattresses are not entirely free from mites. House dust mites live in hidden dusty areas in the house, feeding on the skin cells that fall off people.
Mite feces are the problem
There are 26 species of house dust mites, including the American house dust mite and the European house dust mite, living in Korea. With four pairs of legs, these creatures thrive in temperatures of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels of 75-85%. More than 80% of their bodies are made of water, so they do not release toxins or carry viruses. The problem is the feces that the mites excrete. The feces, about 20 pieces per day, cause allergies, which is a problem. This substance weakens human skin cells and has been shown to impact the bronchial wall negatively.
When was the last time you cleaned under the bed?
If you haven’t cleaned under the bed or washed the sheets for a long time, there’s a high chance that mites are eating and breeding there. If it’s difficult to clean under the bed regularly, it’s not a bad idea to change the direction of the mattress about every three months and clean it then.
If you keep having a dry cough
If a dry cough persists for a long time, there is a high chance that house dust mites are in the mattress and bedding. This is especially true when the cough is dry, even though the bedroom is humid. If your throat is sore and dry or you have an itchy cough when you wake up, it’s a sign of house dust mites in your bed.
If your skin is itchy and you’re sneezing a lot
House dust mite allergies are similar to colds, with sneezing a common symptom. Especially if you sneeze more at night, you should suspect it. It’s difficult to distinguish between a cold and a house dust mite allergy, but if symptoms similar to a cold persist for about a week to ten days, it could be a house dust mite allergy.
One of the triggers for asthma
House dust mites are one of the biggest indoor triggers for asthma and can lead to severe symptoms. Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease where the airways narrow and become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe, with allergies being the most common cause. When an allergic reaction occurs, a chemical substance called histamine is secreted, which contracts the muscles of the airways and secretes mucus. In the same context, allergens from mites or mite feces can constrict the chest and make it difficult to breathe at night.
If your eyes are itchy or dry
Unlike bedbugs, house dust mites do not bite or sting, but you may experience tearing and itching if you get close. If you frequently wake up because your eyes are itchy, a mite infection could be the cause. They usually lay their eggs deep inside soft furniture and mattresses. If you find a cluster of house dust mites, called “dust bunnies,” in these areas, you should clean them.
How can you reduce the number of house dust mites?
Wash bed sheets and covers regularly at about 140 degrees Fahrenheit high, and vacuum clean the mattress. Using a hypoallergenic mattress protector to block moisture from the mattress can significantly reduce the number of house dust mites inside and outside the bed. They also like humidity, so opening the windows wide is good to allow ample air into the bedroom.
You can’t be sure with carpets and rugs on the floor
You can’t be sure with carpets and rugs, either. If they are laid on the floor, they must be cleaned regularly. Dust floating in the air, including fine dust that is hard to see, settles well on carpets and rugs. If you are lazy about cleaning, many house dust mites can easily live in the carpet fibers. House dust mites are vulnerable to shocks, so about 70% can be removed by beating. If the volume is large and challenging to wash, dry it in the sun while beating or shaking it off.
You need to manage even the crevices of fabric sofas
Unlike leather sofas, which are relatively easy to wipe off contaminants, fabric sofas are more susceptible to dust and mites because they are harder to clean. The backrest is where the buttocks touch, and the sofa’s crevices need to be cleaned. Remove dust and debris from every sofa corner with a vacuum cleaner to prevent house dust mites from breeding. If the fabric sofa has a cover, check whether it can be washed in water or taken to dry cleaning.
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