Dust Mites FAQ

What are dust mites?

They may look like tiny insects, but these eight-legged arachnids are actually related to spiders and ticks. Dust mites are too small to be seen with the human eye. During its 80-day lifespan, the average dust mite produces around 1,000 allergenic waste particles. Dust mite allergen is the number one cause of year-round allergic rhinitis. See our dust mite fact sheet for more information.

Where do dust mites live?

They flourish in warm, humid environments like your bed and survive by feeding off dead human skin cells and animal dander. Dust mite populations increase rapidly; each egg-laying female can increase the population by 25 or 30 mites a week, and depending on its age, your bed may house between 100,000 and 10,000,000 dust mites. Dust mites also live in carpet, upholstery, and stuffed toys. (Buy washable toys and wash them frequently to prevent dust mite infestation.)

Why do dust mites cause allergic reactions?

Dust mites themselves are not inhaled; rather, proteins found in their waste particles cause allergic reactions. These proteins, referred to as an allergens since they cause allergic reactions, can be found in dust mite feces, skin, and decomposing body fragments. Dust mite feces contain a powerful enzyme that breaks down the droppings so that remaining fecal nutrients can be eaten by dust mites if food is scarce. When dust mite allergen is inhaled, these powerful enzymes enter the lungs and break down protective tissue, causing respiratory problems. During its lifetime, the average dust mite produces 200 times its body weight in allergenic waste.

How many people are allergic to dust mites?

Dust mite allergen is the number one cause of year-round allergic rhinitis. At least 10% of the population and 80% of people with allergies and asthma are sensitive to dust mite allergen.

How do I know if I have a dust mite problem?

Dust mite allergens can cause sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, nasal stuffiness, runny nose, stuffy ears, respiratory problems, atopic dermatitis, and asthma. If you think you may have a dust mite problem, you can test the level of dust mite allergens inside your home with a dust mite detection kit.

How can I get rid of dust mites in my home?

Start with your bedroom. Since you spend about a third of your life in your bed, you shouldn't have to share it with a miniature ecosystem of dust mites. Allergy relief bedding (also known as dust mite covers or dust mite encasings) is the best defense against dust mites. Encasing your mattress, pillows, and comforters will kill dust mites and immediately protect you from dust mite allergens, enabling you to get a good night's sleep without congestion and morning allergy symptoms. Or use an Allergy Armor™ Ultra Pillow to prevent dust mites from ever getting into your pillows. For more information, please see our Allergy Relief Bedding Buying Guide, Allergy Relief Comparison Chart, Pillow Comparison Chart, and Comforter Comparison Chart. Use our Allergy Relief Bedding Calculator to find out which type of fabric is right for your needs.

Conventional laundry methods do not kill dust mites. You should wash all bedding at least once a week in hot water (140 degrees or higher) and dry on high. For safety reasons, the water in many washing machines does not get this hot, but you can use a detergent or laundry additive to eliminate dust mites. Avoid non-washable bedding like down or wool. Encase non-washable comforters in allergy relief comforter covers or replace them with hypoallergenic comforters or durable hypoallergenic blankets that can be washed frequently.

Purify the air in your home with a HEPA air purifier. Indoor air contains may contain dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other allergens. In addition, indoor air may contain other odors, chemicals, and toxins that can irritate respiratory system, making allergies worse. A HEPA air purifier is the best way to purify the air inside your home, making it cleaner and more breathable. It's especially important to have a HEPA air purifier in the bedroom to ensure a safe haven from allergies while you sleep.

Vacuum often with a HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner. Dust mites lurk deep within carpet fibers. A HEPA filter in a properly sealed vacuum cleaner will remove dust mite allergen, ensuring better air quality. A standard vacuum cleaner may worsen air quality as dust and allergens are stirred up but never captured because they are too small. Get rid of all dust bunnies (on ceiling fan blades, in hard-to-reach crevices, etc.) with vacuum cleaner attachments and dust-trapping cloths. Dust mite sprays and powders are designed to kill dust mites or denature dust mite allergens in carpet and upholstery.

Dust mites (and molds) thrive in humid environments. Running a dehumidifier and keeping the humidity below 50% will help eliminate dust mites. Air that is too dry, on the other hand, may cause sinus problems. That's why it's important to monitor the humidity in your home with an accurate hygrometer.

See our Dust Mites Solution Guide