How can dust mites be eliminated at home? - briefly
Lower indoor humidity to below 50 %, wash all bedding weekly in water hot enough to kill mites, and vacuum regularly with a HEPA‑rated cleaner. Use allergen‑impermeable covers on mattresses and pillows and minimize carpeted surfaces.
How can dust mites be eliminated at home? - in detail
Dust mite control requires a systematic approach that targets the insects’ food source, living environment, and reproductive cycle.
First, reduce available nourishment by removing accumulated skin cells and fabric fibers. Wash all bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery weekly in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C). Use a dryer on high heat for at least 20 minutes when washing is not feasible.
Second, limit humidity, which dust mites need to thrive. Keep indoor relative humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens. Monitor moisture levels with a hygrometer and adjust ventilation accordingly.
Third, create physical barriers that prevent contact with the insects. Install allergen‑proof encasements on mattresses, box springs, and pillows; these zippered covers block mites and their waste from reaching the sleeping surface.
Fourth, remove dust reservoirs. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture at least twice a week with a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or clean the canister immediately to avoid re‑contamination. For hard floors, mop with a damp cloth rather than a dry sweep, which can aerosolize particles.
Fifth, employ chemical or natural acaricides when necessary. Apply EPA‑registered dust mite sprays to carpets, bedding frames, and cracks, following label instructions for concentration and re‑application intervals. For a low‑chemical alternative, sprinkle diatomaceous earth on carpets, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
Sixth, use temperature extremes as a non‑chemical method. Place infested items in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least 24 hours, or expose them to direct sunlight for several hours, both of which are lethal to mites.
Finally, maintain regular cleaning routines. Dust surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth rather than a dry feather duster, which only relocates allergens. Replace old carpets and heavily worn upholstery, as they harbor larger mite populations.
By integrating humidity control, frequent high‑temperature laundering, barrier encasements, thorough vacuuming with HEPA filtration, targeted acaricide application, and periodic temperature treatments, a household can achieve sustained reduction of dust mite presence.