What Are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are microscopic critters that like to live in your carpets and bedding. They feed on the skin that humans shed. It’s inevitable that we shed that skin. It’s going to happen, so there’s always going to be a food source for these pests. At least they’re not biting us, as might occur in a flea infestation, but their presence can still make some of us sick. The symptoms you’ll want to look for include red eyes, skin rash or itching, sore throat, worsening of asthma, general breathing problems, sneezing, and runny nose. Dust mites love soft places like draperies or stuffed animals, but a mattress is often their favorite place to call home.

What Can You Do About It?

A dust mite cover for your mattress is probably your first line of defense against these persistently irritating household guests. Orange County mattress stores don’t carry just mattresses: many of them have mattress covers as well, and you’ll want to look into one when you’re getting a new mattress, especially if you have a child with asthma, or if you have it yourself. Most of them come in the form of vinyl or plastic covers, and wherever people use them, dust mite colonies dwindle. These covers ensure that you don’t inhale allergens like dust mites as you sleep, which is probably causing a lot of your symptoms. Most of them also come with an outer nylon layer or similar material, which makes them a lot more comfortable. The optimal thing is to cover up your mattress with it as soon as you get it.

Because dust mites are so tiny, invisible to the naked eye, it is virtually impossible to completely eradicate them. With the aid of a cover for your mattress, though, your symptoms should diminish. It’s also a great idea to wash your bedding periodically in hot water, which will kill the mites. If you have children, you can also wash and dry stuffed animals once a week, and keep them off of beds. Cleanliness is the key to you and your family avoiding the discomfort of year-long allergy symptoms.