Dust Mites,

the Unwanted Houseguests

Are you swallowing dust mite feces?
A dust mite is a small microorganism, smaller in size than the diameter of a human hair and that can
only be seen through a microscope set at about ten times magnification. They do not carry diseases,
but can be very irritating for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.

It is the most common allergen producing organism found in homes and they live in…

- Carpets,
- Bed pillows,
- Upholstered furnitures
- and mattresses

The ideal condition to grow…..

- Dust accumulation ( particularly very fine particles)

- Relative humidity 70-80%

Dust mite magnification video

Life cycle of Dust mite
Associated health problems….
- Make you sneeze,
- Trigger allergic reactions,
- Cause rashes,
- Watery eyes,
- Coughing and breathing difficulties (Asthma)
- Dizziness, lethargy
- And digestive problems.
Controlling Dust mites
• Maintain relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent.
• Maintain indoor temperatures to less than 77°F
• Keep the house clean
• Cover mattresses and pillows with dust proof ("allergen-impermeable")
zippered covers.
• Wash bedding (sheets, blankets and bedcovers) frequently
once per week in hot water.
• Mechanical control
– using HEPA filters for air filtration and for vacuum cleaning
Any questions?
Thank you