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4104 Old Vestal Road, Ste 108, Vestal, NY 13850
Tel (607) 729 0726 Fax (607) 729 1341
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most important is the dust mite (Dermatophagoides). This is a microscopic insect-like
creature which is found in homes. It lives primarily in pillows, mattresses, carpets and
upholstered furniture, and thrives in humid and warm conditions. Its diet consists of shed
scales from human skin. Digestive Enzymes are placed on the scales and these are the
major allergens. Mite waste particles (fecal pellets) produced by these mites are also high in
these enzymes. Each mite produces about 20 of these waste particles every day. These
particles continue to cause allergic symptoms even after the mite which has produced them
has died.
The greatest source of dust mite exposure in the home is the bedroom mattress and pillow,
which provide the best conditions of warmth, humidity and food for their growth. They are
also present in blankets, carpets, upholstered furniture, curtains and similar fabrics. Female
mites can lay 25 to 50 eggs, with a new generation produced every three weeks. It is easy to
see why bedding contains large numbers of living and dead dust mites.
Scientific studies of dust-allergic patients have shown that taking steps to minimize dust mite
allergen exposure in the bedroom leads to a decrease in allergic symptoms and a decrease
in medication requirements. Emphasis is placed on the bedroom, since people spend one
third or more of each 24 hours there, and because it is the room with the greatest number of
dust mites. The mattress, pillows and box spring should be encased in zippered allergen-
impermeable covers, and other bedding washed in hot water.
HOUSE DUST MITE CONTROL MEASURES
1.Maintain relative humidity (RH) below 50%.
Mites obtain water from air to survive.
Few mites are present in homes located in dry climates.
Seasonal fluctuations (warm humid summers) in mites and allergen parallel indoor RH.
Mites die of dehydration when continuously exposed to RH below 50%.
Use air-conditioning and high efficiency dehumidifier (expensive).
2.Encase the mattress and pillows.
Dust mite allergens (Der f1 and Der p1) are blocked by fabrics less than 10 um pore size.
Dust mites are blocked by pores less than 50 um (width of larval stage).
Synthetic pillows accumulate Der p1 more rapidly than feather pillows.
Optimal – feather pillows (if not allergic to feathers) with heavy tightly woven fabric covers.
3.Wash sheets, pillow cases, blankets and mattress pads at least weekly in hot water (130
F).
Washing at 130 F or higher kills mites and removes most allergen.
Mite allergen can be reduced by 100 – 1000 fold within a month and remain low for 6 to 12
months.
Tumble drying – Can kill all mites if temperature greater than 130 F for 10 – 15 minutes.
Dry cleaning – Kills all mites but does not destroy all allergens.
4.Remove installed carpets, if possible.
Ideal habitat for mites – collects detritus and hold moisture.
Steam cleaning – Kills surface mites and removes surface allergens but does not penetrate
lower carpet and padding and leaves residual water – promotes mite growth.
5.Replace fabric upholstered furniture with vinyl or leather upholstery or with wooden
furniture.
Fabric - ideal habitat for mites.
6.Vacuum frequently with regularly replaced vacuum bags.
Removes surface mites and allergens but not deep allergens and mite reservoir.
Use bag that has two layers or high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) or electrostatic filtration
system.
7.Air cleaning – filtration
Probably not beneficial for mites. Good for animal dander (pets) allergy.
Mite allergens on particles greater than 20 um – become airborne during artificial
disturbances.
Large particles settle quickly.
8.Duct cleaning.
No data to justify use.
Mites do not normally reside in HVAC systems.
9.Freezing
Freezing soft toys and small items (pillows, special clothing) for 24 hours kills mites.
Does not remove allergen. Wash to remove allergen.
10.Ionizers
Questionable efficiency and safety. Not recommended.
11.Chemicals – Denaturants and Acaricides
Must deliver the active ingredient where the mites live.
Good activity doesn't necessarily mean good mite or allergen control.
Benzyl benzoate (Allercare, Acarosan)
Tannic acid.
Disodium Octoborate Tetrahydrate
