When it comes to dangers in our home, most of us think of things we can see. An oven left on, harsh cleaning chemicals and wobbly chairs all present a clean and present danger to homeowners. However, some of the dangers in our homes are too small too see with the naked eye. Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live indoors. When left alone, dust mites can cause allergies, chronic wheezing and other respiratory illnesses. It’s vital that all homeowners are aware of the dust mites lurking in their homes, and know exactly how to deal with these unwelcome guests.

What Is a Dust Mite?

The house dust mite is a microscopic insect that lives in human habitats. They measure at around one-third of a millimeter long, making them invisible to the human eye. These common parasites feed off of dead human skin. Since the average human loses around 10 grams of dead skin a week, this makes our homes the ideal environment for these uninvited insects.

Dust mites survive in all types of climates, but thrive in temperatures of 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. They also prefer relative humidity of around 75 percent.

Dust Mite Allergies

While dust mites do not generally carry any diseases, their feces can cause severe allergic reactions in humans. In fact, around 20 million humans have some kind of allergy to dust mite feces. This is especially prevalent in those with asthma. The most common symptoms of dust mite allergy include:

– Sneezing

– Runny nose

– Itchy eyes

– Tightness in the chest

– Wheezing

– Scratchy throat

– Shortness of breath

These symptoms are severe in those whose homes are infested with dust mites.

Controlling Dust Mites in the Home

There are several ways you can reduce the number of dust mites in your home. Removing carpeting and placing your pillows and mattresses in dust proof cases is one way to quickly remove dust mites. Carpets and and other fabrics are some of dust mites’ favorites places, so they’re a great place to start.

One of the most effective ways to reduce dust mites is by controlling humidity levels. Dust mites will actually die when the humidity drops below 50 percent. If you’re concerned that the humidity in your home is allowing dust mites to thrive, call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater. Our experienced technicians can help control your home’s humidity and get your dust mite problem under control. Don’t suffer from dust mites anymore; schedule your appointment with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Clearwater today!