House Dust Mites

HOUSE DUST MITES

These mites are very small, almost transparent, arachnids (mites have 8-legs like spiders). They eat dead skin flakes (epithelia) from both humans and pets. It is the dust mite droppings and dead body parts, rather than the live dust mites themselves, that provoke an allergic reaction when they are either inhaled (breathed in) ortouched. The mites live in bedding, upholstered furniture, carpets, curtains, mattresses and pillows. Removing dust mites completely from the environment is impossible, but please see below for some useful tips to help reduce their presence. Mites also like warm, damp conditions so our tips on reducing moulds can help too.

TIPS TO REDUCE HOUSE DUST MITES

• Vacuum or dry-clean your carpets, curtains and upholstery regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter, if possible.

• Keep your pet outside whilst you are vacuuming and for a while afterwards, to allow time for any dust to settle.

• Avoid dry dusting, regularly wipe surfaces with a damp cloth instead.

• Reduce the amount of clutter in your home, for example remove books, magazines, ornaments etc.

• Reduce soft furnishings in your home e.g. replace carpets with hard floors, choose leather instead of upholstered furniture.

• Wash your pet’s bedding and stuffed toys regularly above 60 ̊C or alternatively, freeze for 24 hours to kill the mites, then wash at a lower temperature to remove the dead mites and droppings.

• Use allergen proof pet bedding, if possible.

• Reduce your pet’s access to one room or area of the house. Don’t allow them to sleep in bedrooms as they are dust mite hot spots.

• Environmental sprays are available for treating surfaces in your home.

INDOOR ALLERGENS TIPS ON FOOD STORAGE

• Keep dry food in its original packaging and place into resealable airtight plastic containers.

• Clean the plastic containers regularly, discarding any dust at the bottom. Dry completely before reusing.

• Keep the food in dry, cool conditions (take care if storing food in an outbuilding such as a garage as this is more likely to be damp).

• Buy only small bags of food rather than large bulk packs, to ensure fresher batches are fed.