If you think you’ve reduced the number of allergens in your home, think again. The house dust mites is a common source of allergen for many Aussies. Too small to be seen with the naked eye, dust mites are closely related to ticks and spiders.

These miniscule creatures eat the skin cells shed by humans, so any place that people inhabit are sure to attract them. Unlike mosquitoes and bed bugs, dust mites do not suck human blood. What appeals to them are residual matter such as dead skin, fallen hair and dandruff flakes.

The Myth About Dust Mite Bites

The truth is, dust mites do not actually bite. While you might be convinced that you have bite marks on your skin, it is actually a form of dust mite rash. It is easy to make this assumption when you see red bumps that keep itching in affected areas.

House Dust Mites

However, bites from dust mites are only a myth. What you are seeing is an allergic reaction. This does not happen from contact with the insect itself. It is your body’s physiological response to the stomach enzymes secreted in the waste of dust mites.

Aside from skin irritation, allergens produced by these small critters also cause other types of allergic reactions. The most common among humans is sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. In some cases, people can also experience signs similar to an asthma attack such as difficulty in breathing and wheezing.

Dust Off Every Nook and Cranny

Dust mites are known to thrive in environments that are high in humidity””making Sydney homes and offices a prime target. Upholstered furniture and soft furnishings offer ideal conditions for dust mites to settle and survive. The same goes for fabric curtains, carpets and rugs.

Start implementing some changes to your home and the way you go about cleaning tasks. Try to minimise household humidity and install filters in your furnace and air conditioners. Also, remember to wash bed linens and pillow cases frequently in hot water to kill off dust mites. When wiping off dust, use a damp cloth. A dry cloth might only stir up dust mite allergens and spread it across the room. If possible, keep your pets out of the bedroom too.

If all else fails, you can use a specially formulated dust mite spray to wipe them out of your home. And with assistance from a professional pest controller like Masters Pest Control Sydney, you can kill dust mites and greatly reduce their numbers in your home.