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Dust mites can cause allergies and have adverse health effects. These microscopic organisms, however, are not visible to the naked eye, and yet live in our apartments. They can cause shortness of breath, rhinitis, cough, and even itching, headaches and atopic dermatitis. So what are the ways to get rid of dust mites? Where do mites most often appear and how to deal with them?
Mite development – when do they have the best conditions for development?
Dust mites thrive in beds, living on our mattresses and sheets. The mites have the best conditions when the temperature exceeds 20 degrees C. High humidity between 60-80% also favors the development of mites. Moreover, the mites feed on the remnants of the epidermis that they find on the mattress and bedding.
Contrary to appearances, the beginning of the heating season, which dries the air, at the same time causes the mites to decompose. However, this has a negative effect on people who are allergic as the allergen rises in the air, thereby increasing the symptoms of the patient.
See also: Which allergens cause allergies the most?
Dust mites and health
Mite legs and mite droppings cause allergies, which contributes to excessive itching, shortness of breath, rhinitis and coughing. Red conjunctivitis, headaches, and atopic dermatitis can also be one of the symptoms.
Check if you are allergic to dust mites. Perform Imutest Allergy – Dust Mites – Home Cassette Test, which you can order today at Medonet Market.
Reading the above information, we can be scared and have great doubts whether it is possible to get rid of mites from the bedroom at all. Against all odds, it is possible.
Ways to deal with dust mites
The best and fastest way to get rid of dust mites in your bedroom is through sunlight. Therefore, if possible, uncover the mattress and expose it to sunlight. If the light is not shining directly on the mattress, it is a good idea to place it outside. Thanks to this, it will not only receive a priceless dose of natural light, but also fresh air. In this case, it is good to do the same with bedding – duvets and pillows. It only takes a few minutes for the sun to deal with uninvited organisms in our bed.
We can also get rid of mites by vacuuming the mattress. Thanks to this, we will get rid of the epidermis, which are the breeding ground for mites. Contrary to appearances, this activity is worth carrying out every time we change bedding.
A good way to get rid of dust mites is to buy an air purifier for your apartment. Such a purifier absorbs particles that pollute the air, including mites, fungi and molds.
Prevention of mites
As important as getting rid of dust mites, you can also prevent them from developing. The methods are actually very simple, but you should keep them in mind.
In addition to the mentioned vacuuming and airing the mattress, which is very important in preventing the reproduction of mites, the change of bedding is also important. Bed linen must be changed once a week.
Bed linen should be washed at high temperatures – above 60 degrees to kill mites.
Just washing the sheets is not enough. You should refrain from letting pets into the bedroom and allow them to sleep in our bed. The hair of dogs and cats is an additional food for mites. The same is true for damp and sweat, as mites like a warm and humid environment.
Bedding mites can cause allergic reactions. So if you have symptoms that indicate an allergy, it is a good idea to get a house dust mite allergy test. The mail-order study is available on Medonet Market.
In order to prevent the formation of mites, we can also wash duvets and pillows. We can carry out this operation once every six months at a temperature above 60 degrees. We can also opt out of additional places where mites multiply, such as long-pile carpets or blankets. The less we have, the better. However, if we like to surround ourselves with such items, it is also worth cleaning them regularly.
When choosing pillows and duvets, let’s give up those with artificial filling in favor of feathers and cotton. It is because mites are more likely to choose artificial materials and reproduce in them.
We should also remember about regular cleaning, which is the easiest way to deal with dust mites. Vacuuming and mopping floors, not forgetting the surfaces under the bed, should be our weekly habit, along with caring for the bedding under which we sleep.