How to check for dust mites and get rid of them

The idea of there being little nasties hiding in our mattresses is rather unpleasant. One of the most common of these are dust mites. Not only are these tiny houseguests unwelcome, but they can cause all sorts of allergic reactions. In this guide, we’ll be going through everything you need to know about dust mites - what they are, how to check for them, and how to get rid of them.

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are microscopic creatures known as arthropods. They can live between 30-90 days depending on whether they are male or female. Dust mites like to eat dead human skin cells, so are attracted to places in the home where these build up. Think carpets, furniture, and bedding. They also like warm and humid environments. You can see why they are drawn towards beds and mattresses.

What do dust mites look like?

Dust mites are white, and so tiny that they can’t be seen by the naked human eye. Under a microscope, they look a little bit like very small spiders or ticks. Like their cousins, they have eight legs too.

How do you know if you have dust mites?

Dust mites are prevalent, and it’s likely that they’ll be some present in your home. They are something to be notably concerned about if you are allergic to them. Dust mites can aggravate allergies, as well as asthma. Their exoskeletons and faeces are what we tend to react to.

 

An allergic reaction might appear as red, itchy bumps that are sometimes referred to as ‘bites’. However, dust mites themselves don’t bite - this is in fact a rash . Other allergic reactions include sneezing, coughing, as well as itchy eyes, throat, and skin. If you find yourself having these types of reactions and can’t trace it to another source, it may be that you have dust m