Dust mites are tiny bugs found in tightly woven fabrics, such as furniture with soft padding, carpets, mattresses, bedding, curtains, and stuffed animals. When you hear the word dust mite, you likely think of something similar to a bed bug. It is true, both dust mites and bed bugs are unwanted house guests and tricky to eliminate. But, a dust mite is very different from a bed bug.
Dust Mites vs. Bed Bugs
There are many differences between dust mites and bed bugs. First, dust mites do not bite people. Unless you have an allergy or sensitivity, you cannot tell when you have exposure to dust mites. Also, dust mites live in warm and humid environments. Bed bugs, on the other hand, can survive in different environments. Finally, you cannot see a dust mite. Bed bugs are tiny, but they are visible to the naked eye. Dust mites are so small that they are not visible without a microscope, hence being microscopic.
Dust Mite Allergens
Dust mite allergens are a common indoor asthma trigger. Roughly four out of every five homes have some level of dust mite allergen present. The presence of dust mites does not mean there is a high concentration of the allergen. However, it does mean that there is risk and probability of exposure.
Most dust mite allergens are to the fecal particles. When you inhale the airborne fecal matter, your body responds by triggering your immune responses. The good news is that these particles do not remain airborne for long. And brief exposure is not enough to trigger an allergy. The bad news is that four out of every five homes have some level of dust mite allergen present. Also, dust mite allergens are not limited to homes. Thus, you can inadvertently be exposed to this allergen across settings, resulting in more chronic exposure. Exposure to dust mite allergens is not a problem if you do not have an allergy or sensitivity. However, it is a problem for people with hyperresponsive airways, like people with asthma.
Controlling Dust Mite Allergens
Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, exposure to dust mites and allergens is inevitable. There is always a risk for potential contact in the community, at schools, and in buildings. You cannot do much for risks in those settings. But, you can control your chance for exposure at home. These precautions can help decrease your risk of exposure to dust mite allergens.
- Wash and change your bedding weekly (recommended) or bi-weekly
- Consider removing carpeting and replacing woven curtains with blinds
- Appropriately ventilate your living space by keeping humidity levels between 45-50% humidity
- Expose mattresses, bedding, etc. to natural sunlight, as dust mites have no protection against it