House Dust Mites
How to Kill Dust Mites and Clear Allergens from Ventilation Systems
Dust mites are nonparasitic arthropods that feed upon organic debris such as pet dander or human skin flakes. Their airborne waste materials can cause a wide variety of allergic reactions from minor skin and nasal irritations to full blown asthma attacks. For most people, regular vacuuming is enough to keep allergens under control, but those who suffer from severe allergies may benefit from fogging air ducts or misting carpets with our organic mite killing formula. Dust mites often become airborne when recycled through ventilation systems. Our product is frequently used by the hospitality industry to deactivate allergens within ventilation systems and clear excessive tobacco odors.
More Facts About Dust Mites
SIZE AND APPEARANCE: Dust mites are usually invisible to the naked eye, but some can be seen against a dark background in normal light. To search for dust mites, use a magnifying glass, but understand that they can hide deep within the layers of your mattress. In other words, you may never find them.
MODE OF TRANSMISSION: Dust mites can’t fly, but they can float through the air or drift on the gentlest of breezes. They often become airborne when recycled through ventilation systems. For this reason, it’s particularly important to choose high quality air filters.
ABILITY TO INFEST PEOPLE AND HOMES: Dust mites do not bite people or live on human skin. They feed on dander (human skin scales that collect in dust on beds, couches and carpets.) They can survive on human bedding for four to six weeks without a host. A typical mattress can have 100,000 to one million mites inside.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: Dust mites produce secretions that can cause itchy red bumps, nasal irritation and respiratory problems. Inhaling airborne dust containing mite feces and cast skins is a common cause of asthma in young children, especially those prone to allergies.
LIFE SPAN: Dust mites have an average life span of one month, but some are known to live up to three months. A mated female house dust mite can last up to 70 days, laying 60 to 100 eggs in the last 5 weeks of her life.
DISEASE TRANSMISSION: Dust mites are not known to transmit disease.
- Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to trap dust. Traditional vacuums are known to expel air containing debris and allergens back into the environment.
- Mist carpets with Dr. Ben’s Evictor, our clear, non-staining cedar oil formula. Arthropods absorb air through pores called sphericals. The aroma of cedar oil triggers an instant danger response, forcing the arthropod to close its breathing pores.
- Control moist environments, such as carpets adjacent to bathrooms. Dust mites thrive in damp areas.
- Buy zippered pillow and mattress protectors that are approved for protection against allergies. Such encasements will trap existing dust mites and prevent new dust mites from entering the enclosed space.
- Replace or clean air conditioner filters frequently and maintain low (less than 50%) indoor humidity to reduce conditions favorable to dust mites.
- Use our cedar oil fog machine to clear ventilation systems of dust mites and deactivate the allergens they produce.