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The frosts prevailing in Poland, although troublesome, can be effectively used to fight mites, small arachnids, whose faeces and shells are strong allergens. It is enough to put bedding or carpets on the balcony for the night.
- Dust mites are tiny arachnids whose droppings can cause severe allergies
- Dr. Aleksandra Gliniewicz explains what can be done by airing bedding in the cold
- You can find more such stories on the TvoiLokony home page
How does frost affect dust mites?
During the bitter frost, our grandmothers used to put duvets, duvets and pillows outside. At first glance, such activities seem completely unscientific. But maybe it’s a good way to fight mites, tiny arachnids whose droppings and shells cause allergies?
– These are pre-scientific methods, but definitely rational, it is worth returning to them. Throwing out the bedding and all the things where the mites can die in the frost does not solve the problem, however. Allergies are caused by the interaction of mite shells and excrement. Freezing them does not release us from cleaning or dusting – says Dr. Aleksandra Gliniewicz from the Department of Medical Parasitology and Vector-Borne Diseases, NIPH-PZH.
Bedding on the balcony all night in the cold
However, in order to effectively get rid of bedding mites, appropriate temperatures and a sufficiently long period of their operation are needed.
– Frost is our ally. The bigger the better, preferably above -20 degrees Celsius. The bedding has to be kept outside for about 12 hours, which is all night or all day. How do I do that. This is an ecological way to get rid of dust mites – says Dr. Gliniewicz.
Dust mites and their droppings can also be found in carpets. In this case, our grandmothers’ methods also work perfectly. You can leave them overnight in the cold and then shake them out. You just have to remember that it should not be dealt with by a person with an allergy, because its symptoms may worsen.
When there is no frost… there is a freezer or a vacuum cleaner
Dust mites can also be found on children’s toys, teddy bears or other cuddly toys. – Some cannot be washed, but can be frozen. Store in the freezer, also for 12 hours. Only then do you have to vacuum them to remove the faeces and remains of arachnid shells, says Dr. Gliniewicz.
When the frosts end, we do not remain defenseless in the fight against mites. You need a suitable vacuum cleaner with a filter plus a special preparation. These specifics not only kill arachnids, but also cause their faeces and carapace to clump into balls, which can then be vacuumed up.
Author: Anna Piotrowska, Zdrowie.pap.pl
House dust mites can cause allergic reactions. If the above-mentioned ways to get rid of it do not work, it is worth testing for house dust mite allergy. They are available on Medonet Market at an attractive price.
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