What are dust mites?
House dust mites are microscope bugs that primarily live on dead skin cells regularly shed from humans and their pets. Skin cells and scales, commonly called dander, are often concentrated in lounging areas, mattresses, or frequently used furniture which may harbor large numbers of these microscopic mites. A typical mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites. A single dust mite produces about 20 waste droppings each day, each containing a protein to which many people are allergic. Rarely do we find allergies to down. The proteins in that combination of feces and skin sheddings are what cause allergic reactions in humans.
Dust mites are spider-like creatures that thrive and multiply in warm, moist areas. You can’t see the little rascals with your naked eye, but they can cause big problems for you if you are allergic to them. They prefer places where the temperature is at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity reaches 75% to 80%. They can’t survive in colder, less humid settings — they’ve never been seen in Antarctica and are rarely found in dry climates. In the U.S., dust mite allergy tends to get worse during July and August, when dust mite populations peak because of warmer weather. Dust mites like to eat dead skin from pets and humans. Since flakes of skin normally fall off humans unnoticed every day, mites aren’t likely to starve. An average adult sheds up to 1.5 grams of skin each day — enough to feed a million dust mites. Flakes of dead skin work their way into carpeting, beds, and furniture, inviting dust mites in for a happy meal. Most dust mites are found inside mattresses, bedding,
House dust mites are microscope bugs that primarily live on dead skin cells regularly shed from humans and their animal pets. Dust mites are harmless to most people. They don’t carry diseases, but they can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics and others who are allergic to their feces. Skin cells and scales, commonly called dander, are often concentrated in lounging areas, mattresses, frequently used furniture and associated carpeted areas, often harbor large numbers of these microscopic mites. Since the average human sloughs off 1/3 ounce (10 grams) of dead skin a week. That gives dust mites a lot to eat. Cats and dogs create far more dander for dust mites to eat. A typical mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites. Sick yet? Nearly 100,000 mites can live in one square yard of carpet. Ready to convince your spouse to start bathing regularly? Did you know a single dust mite produces about 20 waste droppings each day, each containing a protein to which many people are aller
