| The
facts
House dust mites are tiny (up to 0.3 mm) animals related
to ticks and spiders and live in house dust. There is not
a house without them, but some houses contain huge numbers
and other houses contain almost none. This does not only
depend on cleanliness, but depends very much on the amount
of moisture in the house; dry houses in very cold climates
or on high mountains have few mites, but houses in temperate
climates and normal altitudes have more. House dust mites
eat the dust which comes from our skin all the time. They
leave droppings everywhere they go. Their droppings contain
left-over enzymes which the mites use to digest the skin
dust. It is these enzymes which are the most important part
of mite dust in causing asthma and other allergic diseases.
In fact, house dust mites and their droppings are the most
important cause of asthma worldwide. There is ample proof
that living in surroundings with little or no mite dust
improves or cures asthma in those people whose asthma is
caused by it. In practice it is proving to be almost prohibitively
difficult for most people to achieve this. There are useful
things you can do. It is also worth being aware of things
people will try to sell you which may be a waste of money.
Where do Mites
live?
The greatest numbers of dust mites can be found in carpets,
which provide the best conditions (warmth, humidity and
food) for their growth. Mites are also present in mattresses,
pillows, blankets, upholstered furniture, curtains and similar
fabrics. Female mites can lay 25 to 50 eggs, with a new
generation produced every three weeks. It is therefore easy
to see why carpets may contain such large numbers of living
and dead mites.
Why keep Mites under control?
The number of people with allergic asthma and similar illnesses
is rising around the world. In this country, about two and
a half million adults suffer from asthma and one child in
seven is affected. House dust mite allergen is one of the
most common triggers of asthma. About one in ten of us has
a family tendency to develop allergic asthma if we are regularly
exposed to high levels of allergens. Controlling the levels
of allergen could stop people with a family tendency for
allergic asthma from developing the disease. This is particularly
important for very young children. If you have allergic
asthma it is quite likely that you are allergic to house
dust mites. Skin tests can help to identify allergies but
they may not show you everything that could be causing your
asthma. If you think that you or your family may be allergic
to house dust mites try taking the first steps in the following
guide to see whether there is any improvement. If you are
in doubt you should consult your Doctor. You cannot get
rid of all the mites from your home. But you can cut down
the numbers a lot.
Prevention & Control
Starting with the bedroom first. Cover mattresses, pillows
and duvets with 'efficient' anti-mite micro-porous material.
Remove carpets and clutter. Do not make your bed but air
it all day long to reduce moisture from sleep. If cost is
an issue, it's best to cover the mattress and pillows first.
Make sure to regularly hot wash all bedding (duvets too)
to get rid of mites and their eggs. House dust mites hide
away from the light and burrow into the mattress clinging
on with powerful hooks and suckers on each legs. However,
vacuuming the mattress will reduce some of the dust that
mites live on.
Treatment
Contact Paramite Pest Solutions
if you suspect you may have a problem and we can advise
you on the best course of action. A visit by our pest control
officer can be arranged. He will carry out a survey.
Paramite Pest Solutions will take all possible precautions.
Revisits will be made until the problem is cleared. |
