Color: Off White—Tan
Legs: 8
Shape: Bean shaped
Size: 1/75th of an inch
Antennae: False
House dust mites are named for the fact that they feed on dead skin shed by humans as well as other protein materials. They’re small, round, spiderlike creatures, and extremely small and invisible to the naked eye.
House dust mites feed on dander (dead skin which is shed) from humans and animals. They may also feed on protein based foodstuffs, preferring dried products over products with moisture. Females lay up to 80 eggs and there are several stages of immatures. Populations can explode during humid months as mites are excellent at absorbing moisture from the air.
People may be allergic to house dust mite cast skins and droppings. These reactions will not be a rash type of reaction but rather a respiratory constriction, a common symptom of asthma. Itchy, watery eyes may also be symptoms. Approximately 50-80% of asthmatics may have symptoms due to house dust mites.
The most common area for finding mites is in the bed due to abundance of dander. House dust mites may also be found in living areas especially carpet, furniture, and clothing. Several home test kits are available to test for dust mites.
Frequently change bed linens. If house dust mites are a serious problem, mattress encasement with a cover tested for house dust mites may be helpfulVacuum areas frequently using a HEPA filter vacuum.
Keep humidity low when possible; heating or freezing infested fabric may help If asthmatic, avoid playing with children or animals on a carpeted area This is not a pest which can be controlled easily; a professional pest management firm can inspect and identify mites in living areas and provide further guidance on control. There are very few products available for the control of house dust mites.
House dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments where there is an abundant supply of their primary food source: shed human and animal skin cells.
To keep house dust mites away, control the temperature and humidity of your home and commercial environments. Ensure linens and soft furnishings are washed at a high temperature, surfaces are vacuumed, and generally keep interiors clean.
A dust mite allergy is a reaction or immune response to the microscopic waste products and decaying bodies of dust mites. Inhaling these airborne particles can cause the immune system to mistakenly identify them as threats and release chemicals like histamine.