Dust mites are in virtually every home, but for some people they can cause big problems. These tiny critters are found in nearly every home and survive on old skin cells shed by humans and pets. They are not usually a problem for humans - they don't bite or suck human blood - their feces and dead bodies are so tiny that they can be inhaled as dust and cause allergies in some people. An allergy doctor can discover if you have an allergy to dust mites.

If someone in your home is allergic to dust mites, you will have to take measures to reduce the number of mites and remove the source of the allergic reaction. The best place to start is by making the conditions less favorable for the mites.

Start by reducing the humidity in your residence; when the relative humidity is less than 50 percent in your home, this will have a major impact on the number of dust mites.

Having a clean house is also important. Invest in professional upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, especially if you have pets. Clean and vacuum your drapery, floors, and upholstery regularly.

Change your bedding at least once a week and clean it in hot water to kill existing mites. While your sheets are in the laundry, vacuum your mattresses thoroughly. Dust mites love living in our bedding, because we shed millions of skin cells in our beds so this step is especially important for improving the situation.

Use an air filter too, but be sure to use a high quality filter that can catch the tiny mites and their byproducts. Washable filters are not appropriate because mites can actually live in them and contribute to the problem. Be sure to use special allergy-reducing filters in your furnace as well.

If your sensitivity is more severe, more drastic steps may be necessary. Pets are a major source of mites because the tiny critters love their dander. It is impossible to completely eliminate mites when a furry or feathery pet lives in the house. If you can't sufficiently reduce the mites through any of the other methods, you may need to find a new home for your pets.

Finally, take steps to reduce the attractiveness of your home to mites. Buy latex covers for your mattresses, hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpet. Ensure that your furniture is not of the overstuffed variety, since this type of furniture can contribute to the dust mite population.

These steps may seem like overkill, but dust mites are very difficult to eliminate. Experiment with several of these methods until your problems decrease. Once you are able to breathe easier and live more comfortably in your own home, you'll be glad you went to all the trouble.

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