Mites are tiny organisms that cause dust allergies, with symptoms such as a stuffy nose, frequent sneezing, runny nose, cough, itchy nose and eyes and, in more severe cases, asthma attacks.
Mites: They exist in every corner of the house and we are surrounded by them
Mites belong to the large group of spiders and have a distant affinity with spiders and scorpions. We meet them in virtually every corner of an ordinary house and you are probably surrounded by them right now.
Mites: Most are harmless and invisible to the naked eye
However, the truth is that you are constantly exposed to a huge world of microorganisms, of which mites are just some of the countless creatures that make it up. They are not necessarily harmful - in fact most mites are harmless and invisible to the naked eye.
The type of mites that invade your home causing allergies and respiratory problems are dust mites or house mites. To fight these microorganisms, you need to learn a little more about them.
Mites: They feed on dead skin cells
Mites are invisible microorganisms (about 0,3 mm in size) that feed on dead cells that fall from our skin. The small manure particles they produce are responsible for dust allergies. Each of them can produce about 20 such particles a day and during its lifespan, which lasts about 10 weeks, about 2.000 particles. And in an ordinary mattress there can be thousands, even millions of mites.
The male lives about 10 days, but the female survives up to 70 days and can lay 60 to 100 eggs during her lifetime. At this rate, the number of mites in your home can increase rapidly.
Mites avoid light, which is why they often hide in the fibers of fabrics and materials such as curtains, mattresses, rugs and toys. In addition, mites multiply in places with high temperature and humidity, such as in attics and basements.
Mites: Which allergies are they responsible for
It is estimated that dust mites are responsible for 50% of allergic symptoms. Their inhalation is responsible for respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, a disorder that affects the nasal mucosa and causes sneezing, itching, blockage, nasal secretions and sometimes loss of smell. They are also known to cause asthma attacks.
Mites can also cause allergic conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eyes that causes itching, redness, tearing and the feeling that something has entered your eye.
Similarly, prolonged contact with the skin can cause an irritation known as atopic dermatitis, leading to itchy, inflamed plaques on the skin.
To avoid all the annoyances of dust allergy, all you need to do is avoid exposure to dust mites. The key here is to keep your home clean. To do this more effectively, there are several simple ways you can apply it at home. You do not need to call a mite control professional.
Mites: Homemade insecticide to neutralize them
First and foremost you can make a homemade insecticide, spray for mites, that will help neutralize these microorganisms in the fabrics and corners of your rooms. You can also buy it in stores.
To make it yourself, you need the following:
A spray can
1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
1/2 cup distilled water
30 drops of essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, cypress, cinnamon, etc.)
Mix all the ingredients in the spray can and you are ready to use the mite spray to get rid of them. Spray with this mixture the mattresses, pillows, blankets, curtains and any other place that collects dust. It is not a good idea to use this mite spray if you have children under 3 years of age or if you are pregnant. If this is the case, be sure to allow the mixture to evaporate before using the sprayed items.
The first time you use this spray, you will significantly reduce the mite population for about two months. To keep the area clean of these microorganisms, however, you should periodically use the mite spray every two or three months.
Mites: Spray with essential oils to neutralize them
Another solution is to spray your rooms every day using essential oils such as lavender, mint, mint or pine, to ensure cleaner air. In addition, their smell is very pleasant. A study by Professor El-Zemity Saad has shown that some essential oils are quite effective.
The mixture of anise, clove, fennel, thyme and lavender with which the mattresses and carpet are sprayed also helps reduce the population of mites in your bedroom. It gives your room a nice scent and makes it look cleaner and fresher.
Remember that essential oils contain powerful chemicals that can irritate some people. Use them sparingly and make sure no one in your family is allergic to them.
Mites: Create conditions that do not favor their reproduction and survival
It is essential to keep your home clean and prevent new mites from appearing. So you have to make some changes at home and create conditions that do not favor their reproduction and survival. Here are some tips:
Keep humidity low, below 50%. Using a dehumidifier in the bedroom can reduce the chances of developing a dust allergy.
Ventilate your rooms. Open the windows and use a fan to prevent the accumulation of dust particles and mites. Just ventilate your home every day for fifteen minutes.
Try to let sunlight into all your rooms. A well-lit room is not an ideal place for mites to grow.
Wash your sheets and curtains with warm water. This helps to neutralize the mites that live inside them.
The key is to keep your mattress clean, because that is where you spend most of your time in contact with the mites and there they are probably in large numbers. Make sure you take the time to clean your mattress and use the spray fearlessly to remove dust particles. Do this on a regular basis to prevent mites from re-emerging on your mattress.
In the summer you should take out all your fabrics and furniture and leave them in the sun, because mites can not survive in hot temperatures. On the other hand, they can not withstand low winter temperatures.
You can always remove the carpet and other materials that provide shelter for the mites. The carpet is a favorite spot where mites thrive. This is especially true if the carpet is on cement, because it easily retains moisture and ensures an ideal environment for mites. If possible, replace your carpet with tiles, wood or other hard surfaces. Replacing your furniture with something you can move and wash is also a good way to prevent mite infestation.
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