How to detect house mites? - briefly
Examine dust, upholstery, and concealed corners for microscopic specks and signs of allergic reaction, especially in humid areas where mites proliferate. Place adhesive traps near baseboards and send collected specimens to a laboratory for microscopic verification.
How to detect house mites? - in detail
Detecting domestic dust mites requires a systematic approach that combines visual inspection, environmental assessment, and laboratory analysis.
First, examine bedding, upholstery, and carpeted areas for signs of infestation. Adult mites are microscopic; however, their presence can be inferred from the accumulation of shed skins, fecal pellets, and allergic reactions such as itchy skin or sneezing.
Second, assess humidity and temperature, as mites thrive in environments with relative humidity above 50 % and temperatures between 20 °C and 30 °C. Use a hygrometer to record moisture levels in bedrooms and living spaces; values consistently exceeding the threshold indicate conditions favorable for mite proliferation.
Third, employ adhesive tape sampling. Press a piece of clear adhesive tape onto a suspect surface, then examine the tape under a microscope at 100–400× magnification. Identify mites by their oval shape, eight legs, and characteristic dorsal striations.
Fourth, consider dust collection methods. Vacuum a defined area (e.g., 1 m²) for a set duration (5 minutes) using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. Transfer collected dust to a sealed container, then submit the sample to a certified laboratory for quantitative analysis. The laboratory will report mite density as number of individuals per gram of dust, providing a benchmark for infestation severity.
Fifth, use enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits to detect mite-specific allergens (Der p 1, Der f 1) in dust extracts. Follow the kit protocol: extract dust in a buffered solution, incubate with antibody-coated plates, add substrate, and read optical density at the specified wavelength. Elevated allergen concentrations confirm active mite populations.
Finally, implement preventive monitoring. Install humidity controllers or dehumidifiers to maintain relative humidity below 45 %. Replace bedding and upholstery with mite-resistant fabrics. Schedule periodic sampling using the methods above to track changes over time and evaluate the effectiveness of control measures.