Dust mites are frequently blamed for the itchy skin and respiratory irritation that often occurs during the night or immediately upon waking. The discomfort people experience is not the result of a physical attack, but rather an allergic reaction to the proteins contained within the mites’ waste products.
The Critical Difference: Dust Mites Do Not Bite
Dust mites are arachnids, related to spiders and ticks, but they are far too small to be seen without magnification. These creatures are scavengers and do not possess the mouthparts necessary to bite, sting, or burrow into human skin. Their natural feeding habit is strictly focused on dead, shed skin flakes, also known as dander, which humans and pets constantly slough off. Dust mites are not blood feeders, unlike true biting pests such as bed bugs or mosquitoes.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dust Mite Allergy
The allergic reaction is triggered by inhaling or coming into contact with potent proteins found in mite fecal pellets and shed exoskeletons. These microscopic particles contain allergens, such as the Der p1 protein, which provoke an inflammatory response in sensitive individuals. The immune system releases chemicals like histamine, causing a cascade of symptoms.
Respiratory Symptoms
Respiratory reactions are very common, often resembling a persistent cold that continues year-round. Symptoms include persistent sneezing, a runny or congested nose, and postnasal drip. For individuals with asthma, exposure to these airborne allergens can trigger more serious symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
Skin and Eye Symptoms
Dermatological reactions are what often lead people to believe they have been bitten, as the skin becomes inflamed and itchy. This type of contact can lead to allergic dermatitis, causing redness, irritation, and sometimes raised, hive-like patches on the skin. Ocular symptoms are also frequent, including itchy, red, and watery eyes.
Understanding Dust Mite Habitat and Food Sources
Dust mites thrive in environments that provide a consistent food supply and the high humidity they require for survival. The average person sheds enough dead skin cells each day to feed thousands of mites for months. Mites absorb moisture directly from the air and flourish when the relative humidity is consistently above 50 percent. They prefer moderate temperatures, typically between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Upholstered furniture, carpets, and stuffed toys throughout the home also harbor significant colonies.
The bedroom is the most concentrated habitat, as mattresses, pillows, blankets, and upholstered headboards provide warmth, moisture, and an abundance of dander.
Practical Steps for Mite Population Control
Reducing the mite population and allergen load requires a consistent, multi-faceted approach, starting with bedding management. Enclosing mattresses and pillows in zippered, allergen-proof covers creates an impenetrable barrier between you and the highest concentration of mites and their waste. All bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, should be washed weekly in hot water maintained at a minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) to ensure the mites are killed.
Environmental controls must focus on lowering the indoor relative humidity, which is the most important factor for mite survival. Using a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent makes the air too dry for mites to absorb the water they need to live. Running exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens also helps to vent moisture-laden air to the outside.
Regular, focused cleaning is necessary to remove the accumulated allergens from the environment. Vacuuming carpets and upholstered furniture should be done using a vacuum cleaner equipped with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter. Dusting hard surfaces with a damp cloth is also recommended, as this captures the particles rather than simply pushing them around. Removing carpets from the bedroom, or replacing them with hard flooring, can also significantly reduce the number of potential mite reservoirs.