Everything About Dust Mites You Didn’t Want to Know!

Dust mites.  They are the dirty little secret no one talks about.  But, we need to. They are in your home, living in your carpeting, burrowing in your upholstery, and camping out in your bed.  They are one of the BIGGEST allergens found in your home BUT no one ever talks about these unwelcome residents. It’s time we lift the rug on these tiny freeloaders and expose what they are really doing when they set up camp in your home.

Fast Facts:

• Dust mites are the BIGGEST allergy and asthma triggers in your home
• The body parts and the waste that comes from dust mites are what causes allergy irritation in humans
• Symptoms you may experience as a result of dust mite allergies include:
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy, red or watery eyes
  • Stuffy nose
  • Itchy nose, mouth or throat
  • Itchy skin
  • Postnasal drip (a flow of mucus from behind your nose into your throat)
  • Cough

• If asthma is a concern, you may experience:
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness or pain
  • A whistling or wheezing sound when breathing out
  • Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing

Why Do Dust Mites Flock to our homes, live in our carpets and sleep in our beds with us?

Dust mites are hungry little pests that feast on both human and pet dead skin and hair.  Everyone is susceptible to them. In fact, 4 out of 5 homes have detectable levels of dust mites present!  Floridian homes probably have it a little worse…dust mites tend to like warm and moist climates.

So, just how many dust mites can be present in a home?  Check out these statistics:

• 100,000 mites can live in one square yard of carpet
• Tens of thousands can live in a typical mattress – in fact, A typical used mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside
• Ohio State University reports that a typical used mattress may contain 100,000 to 10 million mites inside.
• Ohio State University also reported ten percent of the weight of a two-year-old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings!

Based on those numbers, it’s pretty likely that dust mites are in your home.  The good news is, you can do something about it. Here are some tips to help you get rid of dust mites:

• Clean regularly
• Vacuum often
• Steam clean carpets and upholstery
• Steam clean mattresses
• Wash linens in very hot water
• Encase the box springs, mattress, pillows and duvets in a dust mite mattress cover
• Dust frequently

Ready to give your carpets, mattresses and upholstery a deep steam cleaning?  Call us today to book your appointment: (727) 364-5158