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Dust Mites

Dust mites are common throughout Europe and the US and are said to be the number one cause of asthma. It is estimated that some 10% of people are allergic to dust mite protein. Yet despite this many people know nothing about them.

What Are Dust Mites?

The household dust mite (HDM) is known as Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in Europe and as Dermatophagoides farinae in the US. They are tiny, eight legged creatures too small to be seen by the naked eye. They are an arachnid.

Dust mites like warm, humid, draft free conditions best - they love modern double-glazed and carpeted homes almost as much as we do. They feed on - amongst other things - human skin cells. We shed many of these in bed each night so the bed is a favourite home for them. Up to two million dust mites can live in one bed. And you thought your partner hogged the space!

Allergy

The house dust mite is generally too small to cause any serious problems via a bite, instead the adverse effect usually comes from skin reactions to their presence. The excretions of the dust mite contain a number of proteins and it is these proteins to which many people are allergic. Since dust mites like to live in beds and since we spend a third of our life in bed we can inhale a large amount of this protein.

Symptoms of adverse reaction to dust mite pollen can vary from itching and sneezing to full blown asthma attacks. All allergies can be potentially dangerous, if you think you are suffering from any symptoms it is essential that you discuss them with your doctor.

Control and Elimination

It's almost impossible to eliminate dustmites completely however a few basic steps that could help control them include:

  • Frequent laundering of bedding
  • Avoid dust build up
  • Reduce the humidity
  • Buy anti-allergenic bedding and anti-dust mite products
  • Use dust-proof covers for mattresses and pillows
  • Replacement of carpeting with other materials
Should these basic methods fail there are a number of treatments and killer sprays available to buy which claim to help in alleviating or eliminating the problem. Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use them.



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