5 Practical Tips For Preventing Dust Mites

Pests, in general, are tough to beat but dealing with dust mites is especially difficult. Since they are almost invisible to the naked eye, no DIY or chemical spray can get rid of them in an instant.

No need to worry though, all hope is not lost. The secret to conquering dust mites is avoiding exposure and slowly reducing their number until they are all gone. To help you out, here are some ideas you can try: 

• Remove dust with a damp rag. Instead of using dry cleaning tools that can direct dust to becoming airborne or resettling somewhere else, try working with oiled mops and washcloths to get it all out completely.

• Cut the clutter. If you’re guilty of being a mild hoarder, this is the perfect time to purge your home of everything that sits unused. Remember, anything that collects dust also collects dust mites.

• Avoid carpet-type materials and other possible dust mite habitats. For those who are currently dealing with a dust mite plague, it might be a good idea to keep your area rugs and mats in storage. If you have carpeted floors, consider replacing them with tile, hardwood or vinyl to avoid future infestation. 

• Use allergen-proof bed covers. To keep these pests off of your sleeping space, cover your mattress and pillows in dustproof or allergen-blocking covers. These covers, made of tightly woven fabric, prevents them from getting to the core of your cushion. Shop them here.

• Keep humidity low. Try maintaining a virtual humidity below 50 percent in your home. If possible, keep your bedroom air-conditioned at all times while you are still in the process of killing existing dust mites. 

PHOTOS and SOURCES: @stendigcalendar via Instagram and Carpet Direct Kansas City (Main) | Mayo Clinic | PestKill