How To Avoid Mite Problems
Cleanliness is essential to avoid mite problems. Therefore, we must ensure that we keep all spaces free of dust. Also, it is convenient to have a dehumidifier. What else can we do? In this space we detail it.
Most people do not have a problem with mites; however, its fecal waste is an agent that can cause allergy, especially in patients with respiratory problems such as rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
In Europe, the most common species are the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Euroglyphus maynei , meanwhile, in countries like the United States there are the Dermatophagoides farinae. However, regardless of the species, they tend to inhabit house dust and survive in humid environments with temperatures around 25ºC.
According to a publication in the International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology , the presence of mites in the home causes allergies in 10% of the general population. Therefore, the recommendation is to adopt measures to eliminate them. What can we do about it? Here are some tips.
Recommendations to avoid problems with mites
According to information published by the Mayo Clinic in its “Patient Care and Health Information” section, the first step to avoiding problems with mites is to avoid the presence of these bugs in the home as much as possible. While it is impossible to completely remove them from the environment, there are some measures that help reduce exposure. Put them into practice!
1. Dehumidify the environment
As we have said, mites live in humid environments, so the first measure will be to assess whether our home may have excess humidity (due to the climate, the place where it is, etc.). If so, we can use dehumidifiers, natural or electric, that we will place in different places in the house.
As detailed in a publication by Penn State Hershey Medical Center , the dehumidifier helps keep the air dry, so the mites will not have an ideal environment to live. It is important to keep the tray of this device clean and dry, free from dust or dirt.
2. Vacuum and dust frequently
Without a doubt, one of the main measures to reduce the presence of mites in the home is cleaning, vacuuming and dusting frequently. It is not convenient to do it with products that generate waste, since this, later, attracts more dust.
Also, it should not be done before going to bed. You have to wait at least 2 hours to sleep in a room that has been dusted. An article published in Michigan Medicine advises against vacuuming dry. Ideally, steam it whenever possible to ensure more mite removal.
3. Wash bedding weekly
The bed is one of the favorite places for mites, since it has all the conditions to live and reproduce. For this reason, it is one of the household items that we must clean frequently.
From the Mayo Clinic we recommend that we wash all sheets, pillowcases, bedspreads and blankets in hot water that has a temperature of at least 130 F.
4. Use diffusers with essential oils
Aromatic diffusers not only allow us to fill rooms with delicious smells, but also to fight mites in a natural way. A study published in the Journal of Zhejiang University Science B supports that some essential oils have the potential to control house dust mites.
For this case we recommend the following aromas:
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Tea tree
- Rosemary
- Lavender
If we do not have a diffuser, we can add a few drops to a spray with water and spray it throughout the day in the rooms. When we buy essential oils we will make sure that they are of quality, extracted from the plant, and not artificial aromatic essences without any property.
5. Acaricidal products
In the market today there are acaricidal products, that is, specific products made with materials that prevent the proliferation of mites. If we have allergies, without a doubt, they are a good option. We can, for example, put anti-mite covers on pillows and mattresses.
We must also bear in mind that there are many products for mites, although some do not have their proven effectiveness, but we can assess whether it is convenient for us to try them, such as antifungal paints, electrostatic filters, etc.
Are there other measures to avoid problems with mites?
Yes. Basically anything that helps us avoid the accumulation of dust in the home will be key to avoiding problems with mites. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid having too many objects accumulated, cleaning the carpets frequently and ventilating the home.
