While most people have heard about “dust mites” (or known as house dust mites) when it comes to rugs and carpets cleaning, they don’t really know what dust mites are and what harms can they bring to our homes and family members. So what are dust mites? What’s the relationship between dust mites and human? Let’s take a closer look at this tiny creature today.
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are microscope bugs that feed on the dead skin cells and hair we and our pets shed. That’s why they can survive nearly everywhere in our home, especially in our rugs, carpets, curtain, furniture and mattress which all provide a stable habitat for them to live and reproduce. Although male dust mites have a short live cycle which last for about 19 days, a female mite can survive up to 70 days. And throughout these 70 days, a female dust mite can lay up to 100 eggs, what an incredibly high reproduction rate!
Are dust mites harmful?
While dust mites are disgusting, they are generally harmless to human as they don’t carry disease. However, the waste droppings they produce contain a protein to which many people are allergic. And there are at least 15 mite allergens, which are all common triggers of asthma.
How to remove dust mites?
Dust control and mites killing are the two main focuses of settling the mite threat. Here are some of the methods recommended:
- Thoroughly vacuuming mattress and furniture
- Steam your rugs and carpet regularly with a steam carpet cleaner
- Reduce indoor humidity
- Avoid buying soft cloth toys (buy something else for your children)
- Use air purifier
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