What are dust mites?
Dustmites are tiny microscopic mites that live in vast quantities in closeproximity to humans; in beds, upholstered furniture, carpets and softfurnishings. They multiply very rapidly and it is believed that within4-6 months a new mattress will be colonised. Dust mites do not bite andit is not the mite itself that causes problems but their faecalpellets, which contain an allergen known as DerP1. "The droppings are4-20 microns in size, but they can crumble into fragments of 1-3 microns, and the tiniest bitsareonly 0.5 microns across. "During their three month life span each dustmite lays 20-40 eggs and produces up to 2000 droppings. This causes theconcentration of dust mite allergen to increase very rapidly. "… Up to1,000 individual mites can be counted in just one gram of dust... Thismeans that the average bed contains more than 10,000 dust mites andperhaps in excess of two million faecal pellets."

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Where do dust mites live?
Dust mites love warm, humid conditions found in modern houses. They live in mattresses, bedding and carpets and any nice warm, dark, damp place where food is plentiful. They live on shed skin scales from humans and animals (the scales must have been broken down by mould first which is why humidity and mould control are so important). Dust mites also need moist air because they do not drink but absorb water from the air. Dust mites are not more common in dirty houses and a relatively dusty house may be completely free of dust mites if the atmosphere is not conducive to their habitation: if it is not warm enough or moist enough for them to live. Dust mites are also destroyed by heat and sunlight so a well ventilated bed under a bright window may have low dust mite levels.

Symptoms of dust mite allergy
Dust mite allergy can develop at any age. Symptoms include:
• nasal symptoms - sneezing, runny nose, rhinitis, sinusitis, with related headaches

and ear blockages
• breathing symptoms - wheezing, dry persistent cough, tightness of breath and asthma
• eczema and dermatitis
• joint pain, swelling of tissues, and muscle aches

Reducing exposure to dust mite allergen
Your approach will depend on the severity of the allergy but a multi-faceted approach is necessary to control the house dust mite and includes some or all of the following:

• wash bedding (sheets and pillow cases) regularly at 60oC or use FabricCleanse
• use dust mite proof barrier cases for mattresses, duvets and pillows or a dust mite

proof duvet and pillow - wash cases, duvets and pillows 3-4 times a year
• dry washing outside or vent a dryer externally
• vacuum daily with an efficient vacuum cleaner
• replace carpets with smooth flooring and curtains with blinds
• freeze or wash soft toys once a week
• remove all sources of damp, rising damp and water leaks
• monitor the humidity level and use a dehumidifier if necessary
• thoroughly air your bedding by leaving the duvet drawn back and the bottom sheet

exposed to the air
• thoroughly air the house by opening the windows
• use an air purifier to remove airborne allergens

• use a Dust Mite Controller
• use an Airfree air steriliser to reduce the dust mite population
• use our Indoor Allergy Range to control dust mites on carpets, sofas, furnishings, in

the air and on your clothes and bedding
• use a steam cleaner or the RayCop on carpets, sofas and chairs

It is important to start with the bedroom as this is where we spend approximately one third of our time. Dust mite proof bedding is usually the first and most important step to take and we offer a wide selection to choose from. We now offer the RayCop and a range of very effective completely non-toxic sprays which may even enable you to keep your carpet. We do not recommend the use of toxic insecticides or insecticide treated bedding or carpets especially where there are young children in the home. A few simple changes can make a huge difference including airing out the house regularly (particularly the bed).

References: The Allergy Bible, Linda Gamlin; Allergy-Free Living,

Dr Peter Howarth and Anita Reid; Asthma, the complete guide, Professor Jonathan Brostoff and Linda Gamlin; The Allergy Survival Guide, Jane Houlton. Recommendations on products are from The Healthy House.

Disclaimer: Information included on this page is intended for information purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for consultation with a medical practitioner.

To find out more about dust mite allergy please read our information on Dust Mite Allergy.

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Dust Mite Proof Bedding	Other useful products	Dust Mite Proof Sets

The Healthy House 100% Cotton Dust Mite Proof Barrier Cases

Stop sneezing, rhinitis and other allergic symptoms caused by dust mite in your bedding
Ideal for people who are chemically sensitive or prefer natural bedding
Completely encase the mattress, duvet and pillow
New - now available VAT exempt - save 15%
Save 10% on individual prices