How to destroy mites at home? - briefly
Wash bedding, curtains, and clothing at a minimum of 60 °C, then vacuum all areas with a HEPA‑rated cleaner. Apply an approved acaricide—such as a benzyl benzoate solution or a tea‑tree oil spray—to any remaining hotspots.
How to destroy mites at home? - in detail
Mites thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on skin cells, skin oils, and organic debris. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that targets their habitat, food sources, and reproductive cycle.
Begin by removing all potential food supplies. Wash bedding, curtains, and upholstery covers in hot water (minimum 60 °C) and dry on high heat. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture thoroughly, using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter; discard the bag or clean the canister immediately after use.
Apply chemical controls only where necessary. Spray a dust‑mite acaricide containing benzyl benzoate or permethrin onto carpets, mattresses, and cracks in walls, following the manufacturer’s safety instructions. For households with children or pets, opt for a silica‑based powder that desiccates mites without toxic residues; distribute a thin layer, leave for 24 hours, then vacuum.
Implement environmental modifications to make the indoor climate hostile to mites:
- Maintain indoor relative humidity below 50 % by using dehumidifiers or air‑conditioning.
- Keep indoor temperature between 18–22 °C; higher temperatures accelerate mite metabolism and reproduction.
- Increase ventilation by opening windows or installing exhaust fans, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
Physical eradication methods complement chemical measures:
- Steam‑clean carpets, mattresses, and upholstered furniture at temperatures above 100 °C; steam penetrates fabric fibers and kills mites on contact.
- Freeze items that cannot be laundered (e.g., stuffed toys) by sealing them in plastic bags and placing them in a freezer at –18 °C for at least 48 hours.
- Use a portable UV‑C lamp to irradiate small, exposed surfaces; exposure times of 15–20 minutes are sufficient to reduce mite populations.
Regular maintenance sustains a mite‑free environment:
- Launder bed linens weekly in hot water.
- Rotate and vacuum mattresses monthly.
- Replace carpet padding every 3–5 years, as it can become a permanent reservoir for mites.
- Conduct quarterly humidity checks with a hygrometer and adjust dehumidifier settings as needed.
By integrating thorough cleaning, targeted chemical or physical treatments, and climate control, households can significantly reduce mite infestations and prevent recurrence.