The dust mite

The house dust mite, a known cause of allergic asthma, is a tiny scavenger living on discarded skin scales in warm, dark and damp conditions. Thousands of years ago house dust mites were found in bird’s nests, but now they have found a better place to live, warm snug houses with high humidity. Studies have shown that allergic sensitization to the house dust mite is the most common cause of allergy in asthmatics in most parts of the world, 60 to 85% of patients are affected!  

 Overview   

House dust mites, microscopic relatives of ticks and spiders are natural inhabitants of our surrounding environment. The presence of house dust mites does not indicate a lack of cleanliness.  

The dust mite is considered a scavenger and it is a necessary part of the food chain. They live in house dust and feed on its various particles, especially on the flakes from human or animal skin contained in the dust. The average adult human loses up to 1.5 grams of skin particles per day. This amount is sufficient for the nourishment of house dust mites, and even tides them over during periods in which rooms are not entered. In addition to this food, they also take in material of other origin, such as pieces of fiber and feathers. 

The dust mite is very small and cannot be seen by the naked eye. It does not have eyes, or an organized breathing system. They are unable to drink and live between 90-120 days. The dust mite can leave up to twenty droppings a day. The dust mite has the ability to receive nourishment from its own droppings. The ideal breeding environment for dust mites are warm, damp and dark (mattresses), The dust mite can product anywhere from 60-100 eggs.  

House dust mites prefer to live in mattresses, upholstery, rugs, carpets, quilts, pillows, and almost all textile items (including children's textile toys). The average bed can be infested with millions of mites. We spend approximately eight hours per day in bed, leading to close and prolong contact with the harmful fecal pellets of the house dust mite. Continual night-time exposure to the house dust mite in beds and bedding is a major cause of allergy misery for millions of suffers.  

House dust mite allergies are rarely caused by the house dust mites themselves, but rather by their excrement (feces). What makes matters worse, the excrement and the allergens contained therein are present all year long-as opposed to pollen allergens which only induce allergic reactions during pollen seasons.  

The dung pellet, if disturbed by activity get pushed into the air. If this happens in an unventilated room, they can remain suspended in still air to be breathed in by unsuspecting people. It takes approximately 20 minutes for this 'dust' to settle. Powerful enzymes in the droppings that are designed to break down scraps of food may also break down the protective lining of the lungs, nasal passages or lining of the eyes. 

Constant exposure to mite allergens can lead to chronic (long-term) illnesses. The finally grained excrement breaks down to an extremely fine powder. This powder sticks to the surrounding materials, such as the fiber structure in carpets and upholstery. This powder becomes airborne when the carpet or rug is walked on, by sitting down on or rising from upholstery, shaking out blankets, and airing out rooms. The excrement problem can only be solved by eliminating the house dust mites.
 

Dust mite allergy is probably the most important allergy leading to asthma in Canadian children.  In children with dust mite allergy, exposure to dust can not only lead to asthma attacks, but long-term exposure can increase airway inflammation increasing the severity of the reaction to other asthma allergens and irritants. 

Dust mites grow best in high humidity (as do molds), so, contrary to popular belief, keeping your house reasonably dry (humidity under 50%) is preferable for children with asthma.

The dust mite's body is made up of 80% water. Without water it will not survive. 

Controlling dust mites in the bedroom 

People spend more time in their bedroom then any other single location, so for people with dust mite allergy, reducing dust in the bedroom is especially important. Dust mites grow especially well in mattresses, pillows, and bedding. Some ways of reducing dust mites in your child's bedroom include: 

• Use a clean hardwood floor, fine area rug, or clean wall to wall carpets. Vacuum floor / carpet weekly, and remove upholstered furniture.  
• Enclose the mattress, box spring, and foam pillows with zippered vinyl (or other "dust-proof") covers. Vinyl covers let you remove the bedding and remove dust with a damp sponge.    
• Wash sheets and blankets every 2-4 weeks in hot water.  
• Wash blinds regularly; mop the floor with a damp mop each week.  
• Remove unnecessary toys, books, and stuffed animals - within reason!  

Controlling Dust Mites in the Home 

1. Try to reduce the humidity in your home.   
2. Wash the bedding in hot wash. Make the beds later in the day. Let the bed air throughout the day 
3. Cover mattresses and pillows with micro-porous material to prevent dust mites. Damp dust these coverings regularly.  
4. Try to get rid of steam after a bath or shower and while cooking by opening a window if possible.  
5. If possible open windows while cleaning so that any disturbed allergens will be blown outside.  
6. Never reuse vacuum cleaner bags, and if possible use a vacuum cleaner with high filtration features.   
7. Stuff toys or other small items should be place in the freezer or in a hot clothes dryer to destroy dust mites.  
8. Dust mites hate sunlight so air out your home and hang out rugs or blankets on warm days. 
9. Have your bed room carpets steam cleaned every 6 months. 
10. Purchase hypo allergenic pillows and replace them ever year. 

Try this experiment:  Purchase two new identical pillows.  Use one for your bedding, while storing the other.  After 6 months compare the weight of the two identical pillows.  You will be amazed at the difference.