How to treat an apartment for mites at home? - briefly
Thoroughly vacuum carpets, upholstery, and floor seams, then launder bedding and curtains in hot water and apply an approved acaricide spray to all surfaces, repeating the treatment after 7‑10 days. Maintain low indoor humidity and perform regular cleaning to prevent reinfestation.
How to treat an apartment for mites at home? - in detail
Mites infestations in a dwelling often stem from accumulated dust, upholstered furniture, and high indoor humidity. Species such as house dust mites and storage mites thrive in environments where organic debris and moisture exceed 50 % relative humidity. Effective eradication requires a systematic approach that combines sanitation, environmental control, and targeted treatment.
Sanitation begins with thorough removal of food sources and breeding sites. All bedding, curtains, and removable upholstery should be laundered at temperatures of at least 60 °C. Vacuum cleaners equipped with HEPA filters must be run over carpets, mattresses, and cracks in flooring, discarding the vacuum bag or emptying the canister into a sealed container. Surfaces should be wiped with a damp microfiber cloth to capture residual particles rather than spreading them.
Environmental control reduces conditions favorable to mite proliferation. Dehumidifiers or air‑conditioning units should maintain indoor humidity below 45 %. Ventilation fans installed in kitchens and bathrooms help expel excess moisture. Hardwood or tile flooring replaces wall‑to‑wall carpeting where possible, limiting dust accumulation.
Chemical interventions involve acaricidal products approved for indoor use. Spray‑on formulations containing benzyl benzoate, permethrin, or pyrethrins are applied to cracks, crevices, and the undersides of furniture following label instructions. Contact times of 6–8 hours ensure maximum efficacy; treated areas must remain inaccessible to occupants and pets during this period. For persistent infestations, professional application of microencapsulated insect growth regulators (IGRs) can interrupt mite life cycles.
Non‑chemical alternatives provide additional control without residue concerns. Steam cleaning at temperatures above 100 °C penetrates fabrics and upholstery, killing mites on contact. Application of food‑grade diatomaceous earth to carpet edges and under furniture creates a desiccating barrier; the powder should be left for 48 hours before vacuuming. Essential‑oil blends containing eucalyptus or tea‑tree oil, diluted to 0.5 % concentration, may be misted on surfaces, offering repellent effects.
Monitoring after treatment confirms success. Sticky traps placed in corners and under furniture capture surviving mites for a period of two weeks. Re‑inspection of humidity levels and cleanliness routines should continue indefinitely to prevent re‑infestation. A schedule of monthly deep cleaning, humidity checks, and periodic steam treatments maintains a mite‑free environment.