How do you get rid of mattress mites? - briefly
Wash bedding in water ≥ 60 °C, dry on high heat, and vacuum the mattress with a HEPA‑rated filter; then encase the mattress and box spring in an allergen‑proof cover, maintain indoor humidity below 50 % and apply diatomaceous earth or an approved acaricide if needed.
How do you get rid of mattress mites? - in detail
Eliminate the tiny arthropods that inhabit bedding by combining thorough cleaning, environmental control, and targeted treatments.
Regular laundering removes the majority of individuals and their eggs. Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers in hot water of at least 60 °C for 30 minutes. Dry on a high‑heat setting for a minimum of 20 minutes. Repeat the process weekly until the infestation subsides.
Maintain low humidity to disrupt the life cycle. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to keep indoor relative humidity below 50 %. Ventilate the bedroom daily by opening windows for at least 15 minutes. Place silica‑gel packets or moisture‑absorbing crystals under the mattress as an auxiliary measure.
Apply chemical or natural acaricides directly to the mattress surface. Options include:
- Sprays containing permethrin or pyrethrin, applied according to manufacturer instructions and left to dry before remaking the bed.
- Dusts of diatomaceous earth, spread thinly across the mattress, left for 24 hours, then vacuumed.
- Essential‑oil blends (e.g., tea tree, eucalyptus) diluted to 2 % concentration, sprayed lightly; note limited efficacy compared with registered acaricides.
Encapsulate the mattress with a zippered, allergen‑proof cover. Ensure the cover is labeled “mite‑impermeable” and remains sealed for at least six months to prevent re‑colonization.
Vacuum the mattress weekly using a HEPA‑rated attachment. Move the nozzle slowly across the surface, then vacuum the surrounding floor, baseboard, and furniture. Empty the vacuum container into a sealed bag and discard outdoors.
Monitor progress by inspecting bedding for live mites or shed skins. Continue the combined regimen for a minimum of three months, after which the population should be reduced to negligible levels. Regular preventive maintenance—weekly laundering, humidity control, and periodic acaricide application—maintains a mite‑free environment. «Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments», therefore consistent environmental management remains the most reliable long‑term solution.