Dust mites are one of the most common allergy and asthma triggers that lurk inside your own home.
While these microscopic creatures resemble small bugs, dust mites don't actually leave bites on your skin. They can, however, cause skin rashes. You're also more likely to have other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and postnasal drip.
Dust mites aren't to be confused with bedbugs, which are a separate type of species that leave visible bites on your skin.
If you have continuous allergy symptoms throughout the year, it may be worth talking to a doctor about possible dust mite allergies. While difficult to get rid of completely, there are ways you can manage dust mite populations in your home while also treating your allergies.
Dust mites can be difficult to detect due to their small size. These microscopic arthropods are estimated to be only 1/4 to 1/3 millimeters long. You can only see them under a microscope, and even then, they only look like small white spider-like creatures.
Males dust mites can live over a month, while female dust mites can live up to 90 days.
The reason why dust mites are so prevalent in people's homes is that they feed off of dead skin cells. On an average day, one person may shed 1.5 grams of dead skin cells, which can feed up to one million dust mites at a time.
Dust mites make their homes in places where dead skin cells are most likely to accumulate, such as bedding, furniture, and carpeting. Rugs and stuffed animals also make good homes for dust mites.
While you can find dust mites all over the world, these creatures tend to favor hot and humid climates. Since they can burrow themselves deep into cloth fibers, they can also travel with you when you move or are on a vacation or business trip.
Dust mites themselves are allergenic, meaning they can cause allergies. They also leave behind skin and fecal matter that may also trigger allergies.
While other bugs you encounter may bite, dust mites themselves don't actually bite your skin. However, an allergic reaction to these pesky creatures may induce skin rashes. These are often red and itchy in nature.
Allergic reactions to dust mites are common and typically caused by inhaling the mites' skin and fecal matter materials.
If you have a dust mite allergy, you may experience symptoms year-round. You may also notice that your symptoms peak during the hot, humid summer months. Common signs of a dust mite allergy include:
Depending on the severity of your dust mite allergies, this condition may also trigger asthma.
You may notice wheezing, coughing, and chest pain as a result. Your symptoms may be worse at night when you're lying down. The more you stay indoors, the more you may be prone to dust mite complications.
The best way to treat allergies is to get rid of the underlying culprit. Depending on the severity of your symptoms though, you may need immediate relief.
Talk to your doctor about the following treatment options for dust mite allergies:
Dust mites are difficult to get rid of completely, but removing as many as possible from your home can help prevent allergic reactions.
The best way to get rid of dust mites is to target the areas they tend to live in and thrive. These include:
Frequent vacuuming, wet mopping, dusting, and washing can all treat dust mites. You don't need any specialized products. You just need to make sure you wash bedding in hot water and use wet cloths that can properly trap dust when you clean.
Prevention is key to avoiding allergies, including dust mites. It may be challenging to prevent them altogether, but you can take the following steps to control the dust mite population in your household:
It's important to note that pesticides do not get rid of dust mites.
Bedbugs are larger than dust mites, and can be seen with the naked eye. They're sometimes confused with dust mites because they live in bedding, carpets, and curtains. And like dust mites, they can also cause allergic reactions.
The key difference though is that bedbugs literally bite humans and feed off of their blood. Dust mites can irritate your skin, but they don't bite you.
Although dust mites don't bite humans, their widespread presence in your home can lead to uncomfortable allergy symptoms, including skin rashes.
Dust mites are prevalent in most homes, so regular cleaning and other preventive measures are key to stopping their large numbers while also alleviating your allergies.
If you continue to have allergies despite dust mite prevention, see an allergist for help.