Dust Mite Facts

· Dust mites are a common cause of allergy problems.  

· Dust mites are so small they can only be seen with a microscope.  They belong to the spider family.  

· Dust mites live up to 4 months. Each female can lay 100 eggs.  

· Dust mites eat dead skin flakes and produce waste called fecal pellets.  

· One mite may produce 20 fecal pellets a day. The pellets remain long after the mite is gone.

· Allergy problems are mainly caused by these fecal pellets.  

· Most dust mites are found in your matress and pillow. dust mites also live in carpets, furniture and stuffed toys.  

· They like warm, moist places (temperature 20-25C, humidity above 50%) 

· Anyone allergic to dust mites should try to avoid them.  This may decrease problems and the need for medicine. 

Important Control Measures 

· At least 1/3 of a child’s time is spent in the bedroom.  Focus on this room.    

· Encase the mattress with an airtight, mite-proof cover.  Covers come in a range of prices.  

· If mite-proof covers cost too much, wrap the mattress in heavy plastic.  Seal all seams with tape.  Use a fitted, washable, quilted mattress cover for comfort over the plastic.  Wash it with the bedding.  

· Wash bedding once a week in hot water.  Dry in a hot dryer for at least 45 minutes.    

· Put pillows, blankets and comforters in the dryer on the hot cycle for 45 minutes every two weeks. Replace pillows every 2-3 years.  

· If possible, avoid carpet in the bedroom.

· Avoid clutter in the bedroom. Remove dust collectors.  

· If a child has a favorite stuffed toy that cannot be washed, place in a hot dryer for 45 minutes every two weeks.  

· Vacuuming removes only surface dust. Live mites are hard to vacuum. Vacuums which use a water system are no better than normal vacuums. 

· Air cleaners are not helpful in removing dust mites or fecal pellets.  

· Do not use a humidifier in the bedroom. If humidity in the home is high, use a dehumidifier.  

· Clean all hard surfaces at least once a week with a damp cloth.  

· Putting things in the freezer will kill the dust mites. It does not affect the fecal pellets. 

· If a child has an allergy to dust mite, their bedroom should not be in the basement.

Buying a Dust Mite Cover 

· Many stores sell covers that say  they protect against dust mites. Not all do. 

· Covers must completely enclose the mattress, not just cover the top. 

· Openings in the material called pores should be less than 5 microns. Less than 2 microns is best. 

· Covers that allow air to move through the material are air permeable.  Air permeable covers cost more, but will be more comfortable.     

· Vinyl and other low cost covers can be found at most stores that sell bed linen.   More expensive covers can be obtained through specialty stores. 

· Speak to your Certified Asthma Educator or health care provider, if you need further information.