Mites and Allergies

 

Dust mites are found in almost every high humidity environment that is capable of supporting plant life. In a survey of homes with dust mites, 60% of the dust mite population is found in the bed, mattresses and pillows, 30% in upholstery, and 10% in carpet.

 

Mites feed on shed skin scales from humans, animals, moths, birds, pollen, fungi and bacteria which explains their high concentration in mattresses, pillows and upholstered furniture where skin scales provide a food source.

 

Because they have no ability to bite, their food must be moistened so that tthe protein can be absorbed, dust mites require moist conditions to survive. Ideal incubators for dust mites are areas with high humidity (above 55% relative humidity) and an ambient room temperature of 22 ºC - 26 ºC. The life expectancy of a dust mite is 2 to 2 1/2 months, but mites cannot survive more than 7 to 10 days in areas with a humidity of less than 50%.

 

efficient operation of a residential or commercial heating, ventilation and airconditioning system that maintains a humidity below 55% relative humidity can effectively reduce the number of mites in a particular environment.

 

The most important tool for managing house dust and dust mite allergens is the vacumm cleaner. Regular, thorough vacuuming of carpets, furniture and textiles will remove food sources and dust mite excrement and will help keep the dust mite population low. Avoid wet mopping which increases moisture in the air. Where wet mopping is necesary, such as kitchens and bathrooms, vacuum thoroughly prior to mopping.

 

It is important to use a vacuum cleaner that cleans effectively and minimises distribution of dust and allergen materials into the air from the vacuum filter and from around the machine housing.