The fight against bed mites. Bed mites: we expel uninvited guests

Ecology of life: Home. Dust mites can never be completely expelled from home, but you can reduce or cure allergy symptoms by limiting the number of mites with these natural, non-chemical methods.

Significant cause of allergies and asthma

Dust mites are microscopic insects living in upholstered furniture throughout the house that feed on dead skin cells. So that you know, one million dust mites can happily eat daily the remnants of your skin from the average adult!

Of course, these tiny house invaders are not harmful in small quantities, but larger tick populations can cause significant problems for some people.

Common indoor allergens that affect the eyes and nasal passages are dust mites, mold and fungus, cockroaches, and even animal hair. Pollen from trees and grass can also penetrate the house. All of these irritants cause some unpleasant side effects, including head congestion, itchy eyes, sore throat, sore throat, company, sneezing, coughing, red or watery eyes.

Medicines or natural treatments only help you breathe easier, but removing or reducing contact with an allergen is the best way to deal with unpleasant symptoms.

For statistics, we give some data: about 20 million Americans are struggling with an allergy to dust mites, and studies have shown that 81% of asthmatics tested are caused by these insects and their excrement.

Dust mites can never be completely expelled from home, but you can reduce or cure allergy symptoms by limiting the number of mites with these natural, non-chemical methods.

How to get rid of dust mites without harmful chemicals?

1. Lower temperature and humidity

Finding the perfect temperature and humidity level is key to overcoming dust mites and controlling allergies.

Dust mites breed well and thrive when humidity is above 50%. At lower humidity, their actions are blocked, so some people turn on the desiccant if necessary, if it is possible to measure the level of humidity in the house.

It is also recommended to open the windows for one hour every day to reduce the humidity.  On the other hand, if the humidity drops too low, it is more likely that some allergen particles will circulate in the air!For this reason, the temperature is between 18º C and 22º C and the humidity of 40% is optimal.

This room temperature is ideal for a bedroom where the number of ticks is highest, and it is also very beneficial to encourage good sleep.

2. Do a wet cleaning

Dust on all surfaces in rooms prevents the elimination of dust mites. Therefore, 1-2 times a week do wet cleaning.

Always use a damp cloth that helps to avoid the spread of mites through the air, and rinse the cloth at a high temperature (in hot water) or throw it away immediately after using it.

Now there are many sprays on the market to kill dust mites, as well as reduce the number of other allergens, but they are often ineffective and expensive. You can make your own dust removal spray that will not only eliminate dust mites, but also allergy-inducing bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Simply mix two glasses of distilled water with 2 tsp. Tea tree oil, pour into a dark bottle. Use the spray regularly, and spray not only on the furniture, but also on your upholstery and carpets, and soon you will feel some relief from allergy symptoms! Do not forget to shake the bottle before each use to evenly distribute the oil inside.

3. Wash bedding and upholstered furniture at high temperatures.

If possible, do not accumulate too much upholstered furniture throughout the house, as it collects dust and provides the ideal nutrient for dust mites. For example, from 100 000 to 10 million ticks can live on the same bed with an average mattressThat leaves rather unpleasant thoughts!

Because   mites can not survive at high temperatures above 60º СIt is necessary to wash the bedding weekly at this temperature. Other upholstered furniture such as pillows, throws and carpets should be washed once or twice a month at the same temperature.

Moreover, adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to the wash eliminates up to 99% of dust mites from bedding, according to the study.

After you have cleaned the bedding, wrap the mattress in a protective tick cover. In the market, their choice is quite large. Covers make even blankets and pillows.

Consider with your family the issue of reducing the number of decorative pillows, because you can live without them. And finally Do not use wool blankets, which are unpleasant for many people with asthma and allergies.

4. Freeze them!

Some items in the house, such as silk pillows or soft toys, depending on their size, cannot be washed at high temperatures.

If the toys are small enough, they can be placed in the freezer and frozen for 24 hours. It will kill ticks, although it does not help get rid of allergies. Vigorously shake out items after freezing to remove as many dead ticks as possible.

5. Buy special bedding

You already know that one mattress can contain up to 10 million ticks and many times more than their excrement, which means that the bedroom plays an important role in the fight against ticks!

Although many of the methods listed above lead to a reduction in dust mites in bedding, especially sensitive people need additional protection from these pests.

There are special antiallergenic fabric covers that pack mattresses and even pillows. Dust mites will not start on them.

Of course, they are very expensive, although in 2004, the New England Journal of Medical Journal wrote that many children's mattresses and pillows with special tick coatings reduce asthma complications. But everyone looks at his own possibilities and chooses what is appropriate for him.

6. Sprinkle with infusor soil.

Kieselguhr is a fine powder made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms, known as diatoms.

To reduce the population of ticks, as well as fleas and bedbugs, sprinkle carpets, mattresses, bedding and pet beds with a light layer of kieselguhr and allow it to stand.

It is better to leave for a couple of hours or at night before vacuuming. And bedding is naturally washed. You can repeat this procedure often.

When choosing a kieselguhr brand,make sure you buy food,  which is safe to use at home for animals and for people. Kieselguhr is also used in many recipes for health, beauty, and more.

7. Minimum indoor plants

Although indoor plants serve as a wonderful addition to any home, they quickly create a layer of dust and become a haven for ticks.

If you cannot live without greenery, then at least do not forget to regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. In addition, wet soil around indoor plants is an ideal place for mold to thrive. To prevent the growth of mold, water only when the soil is dry and just moisten, and not finally pour.

To reduce other allergens inside your home, choose certain plants. Some fantastic plants for air purification: spathiphyllum, Epipremnum golden, Philodendron, Gerbera, Dypsis yellowish, Dracaena, etc.

8. Essential Oils

Many chemicals and toxins used in conventional detergents can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of allergies and asthma. It has been proven that even such products as bleach, glass cleaners, detergents and air fresheners aggravate the symptoms of asthma in women and lead to a decrease in lung function after inhalation immediately, and in some cases over time!

And two Australian studies have shown that many common household cleaners emit toxins into the air, which increase the risk of developing asthma in children.

Therefore, monitor your health and choose cleaning products with natural and vegetable composition. Or prepare your own funds.

As we have already written, eucalyptus oil is very effective against ticks, besides, it can easily be used absolutely on any surfaces: fabrics, bedding, carpets, etc.

9. Vacuum cleaner

Vacuuming is a great way to reduce dust mites and other household allergens, but be aware that dry vacuuming removes dust that mites live on and is largely ineffective in removing mites from the carpet. This is especially true of old worn carpets ( another reason to replace carpets with a beautiful wood or tile finish)!

However, vacuuming is still necessary to reduce allergies and remove dust from the surface. Here are a couple of tips to help make this everyday task even more effective:

• Buy a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filterto reduce dust emissions from the vacuum cleaner itself.

• Vacuum at least 2 times a week.  and pay special attention to those areas where most of the dust is located, for example, under the bed and next to the doorways.

• Wear a mask while the vacuum cleaner is running, so as not to inhale the circulating dust.

• You understand that vacuuming should not only carpets, but also curtains, sofas, upholstered furniture and other upholstery.

• Steam cleaning of carpets is more effective for removing mites and their excrement than dry cleaning.

10. Extra Precautions with Pets

The presence of pets with fur or feathers increases the food supply for ticks. In fact, cat fur in significant quantities remains on carpets for up to 20 weeks, and in mattresses for many years after the animal is no longer there.

It is better to keep pets outdoors outdoors to avoid spreading wool and be sure to regularly wash not only animals, but also their bedding, preferably at high temperatures.

Keep your bedding away from pets so that they cannot reach it - this will reduce the settlement of dust mites in the bedroom. Designate a specific area of ​​your home for your pet and never allow it to enter your bedroom.

Pet owners should also be aware that their furry friends may also suffer from dust mite allergy (from 30% to 80% of the tested dogs and cats had a positive test result). Common signs for animals: itching, recurrent ear inflammation or infection.  Bathe animals regularly.

11. Open windows

A great way to run more oxygen and refresh the room without chemicals - justair the room.   Using an air conditioner in a car also reduces the amount of dust you breathe by as much as 30%!

12. Use rugs and slippers

The highest concentration of house dust is found in carpets near the landing. Up to 40% of pollutants at home are in the air!

When you change shoes after work in comfortable slippers, you not only relieve the pain in your legs, but also reduce the amount of dust in the house.

To achieve maximum cleaning effect, leave the carpet at the outer door and leave the grate, which is easy to dust.

13. Air filter or cleaner

Many experts recommend using air filters from household allergens. Always choose air cleaners with a HEPA filter that removes 90% of allergens, and clean the filters regularly. Do not forget to close the windows in the room where you use your cleaner, as otherwise it will be ineffective.

14. Love the minimalism.

The mess collects dust and, accordingly, dust mites! Hide things that collect dust well: unnecessary decorations, picture frames, stacks of books, piles of papers.So you get rid of dust mites, and besides, it will be much easier to clean.

A pretty good idea is to reduce the number of decorative pillows on the sofas and beds, and also to replace the curtains with blinds.

In houses with bare floors up to 90% less dust than in houses with carpets! Give preference to tile or wood floors above the carpets.  You can decorate them with small plush rugs that can be easily washed every month.published by

Unlike bedbugs, spiders, mosquitoes, cockroaches, the pillow mite in bed does not bite or suck blood: it feeds exclusively on dandruff and dead skin scales. The smallest pest manifests the most activity at night. Allergy to bed mite - the reaction of the human body to the waste products of arthropods.

The causes of bed mites in the house

Signs of bed mites

• lumpy eruptions on the skin, but there are no bite marks;
• sneezing, runny nose;
• the appearance of wheezing, breathing problems;
• redness, tearing, inflammation of the eyes.

If similar symptoms are found in oneself or in a family member, it is necessary to consult a doctor and not self-medicate. The specialist will make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate drugs. During therapy, it is important to carry out preventive measures: change bedding as often as possible, carefully wash seams on clothes after washing.

Breeding bed mite

A typical way to deal with small arthropods is to challenge a special team that will disinfect a home. You can independently try to get rid of uninvited guests in a mechanical or chemical way. No matter which way you prefer, the main thing is to take action promptly so that small pests do not overwhelm the home.

Mechanical method

Chemical method

Use insecticidal agents for bed mites should be according to the instructions. It is forbidden to use chemicals if small children or pets live in the house. A single application will not be enough: for a full guarantee, the course must be repeated after 2 weeks. You can use vinegar, turpentine, boric acid for the fight, and you can purchase the following repellents:

• Dobrokhim Micro is made on the basis of chlorpyrifos. The action is designed for 6 months. Release form - emulsion concentrate
• Raid contains pralletrin, zeta-cypermethrin, imiprotrin. The protective action of the drug is active for 2 weeks. Form release - aerosol.
• Acarithox is produced in the form of a powder, which is pre-dissolved, and then sprayed with a spray bottle. The protective action of the repellent also lasts about 2 weeks.
• Cypermethrin is a contact-intestinal remedy for bed mites, the maximum activity of which occurs on the first day after treatment and lasts a month. The chemical is produced in the form of tablets, emulsion and powder.

How to get rid of bed mites with special means

To combat dust mites, you should use an acaricidal agent, while spraying the room it will degrade pests. It should be remembered that getting acaricidal preparations on the skin can cause irritation and an allergic reaction.

There is a popular method of dealing with dust mites, for the preparation we need 50 g of soap and 100 g of ammonia, the ingredients should be well mixed. The substance should be added to the water for washing floors, for washing bed linen, they can treat contaminated surfaces.

Treatment of allergic reaction to bedbugs

First you need to make sure that the spots on the skin are really caused by bed mites, for this you need to seek help from a doctor to get tested and make an accurate diagnosis.

The doctor can prescribe anti-allergic drugs or ointment, it is also recommended regular ventilation of the room, and eating vegetables and fruits to raise the immune system.

Some take months. But such a long wait for a result is usually caused by an incorrect approach to work.

Bed mites in the house

However, they reveal the manifestation of their vital activity fairly quickly. First of all, the presence of bed mites becomes noticeable by the characteristic bites.

With the appearance of such symptoms, it is urgent to begin to act. To get rid of bed mites, you need to choose effective, but relatively safe ways to fight. Considering that it is necessary to process places where a person sleeps and spends a lot of time, the task will be very difficult.

The causes of ticks in the house

Considering that it is sometimes difficult to detect ticks, it is also hard to identify the real reason from which they came from in the house.

But still it is worth trying to restore the chronology of events in order to know where next time you need to be especially careful.

Ticks can get home in feather pillows and blankets

Ticks can "move" to animals. They are quite capable to bring a cat or a dog on wool.

In addition, it can be birds that are fed in the feeder right outside the bedroom window. Infection can occur after visiting a place where there were a lot of bed mites, for example, hotels with poor quality of service.

In order to prevent such a development of events, it is necessary to thoroughly remove dust, wash and iron things, and especially bedding, and ventilate the room. Ticks in pillows and blankets, in terry sheets, as well as in all sorts of home-made hand-made decorations are not rare. Needlework is fine and useful, but in limited quantities.

In a clean room, where they always do the cleaning carefully, using disinfectants, ticks, bedbugs, cockroaches and other unpleasant guests should not be. Therefore, do not be lazy, but rather spend more time on the cleanliness of your home.

Habitat and appearance

Mite bed is not much different from their other relatives. Their only clear distinguishing feature is their very small dimensions. Because of this, even an adult can be seen only under a microscope. The size of the mite calf does not exceed half a millimeter. They have 6 legs and a large enough jaw, which can even chew on human skin.

Bed mites are often the cause of allergies of unknown etiology

However, periodically on the skin of the person appear marks, similar to small wounds. One or two bites can not be noticed, but when a huge colony gathers in bed mites, it is already dangerous and can cause serious damage to the skin.

In fact, bites such marks are called only conditionally. Bed mites can bite through the skin, they even feed on it, but this applies only to microscopic dead particles, and not to a healthy epithelium.

How to treat allergies?

If irritation occurs on the tick, lubricate the affected area with a phenotyle.

First you need to treat the affected area with a special ointment against allergies. Fenistil works well, which not only relieves irritation, but also eliminates itching, redness, and disinfects the problem area. After that, you need to carefully monitor your health.

The bed mite does not bite the skin and does not drink blood, therefore it cannot be called an active peddler of diseases. However, this development is not excluded. When the first suspicious symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and be examined.

Especially careful to be in the event that the allergy manifested itself in a child. Children need to treat problem areas with high quality, and then take care of completely getting rid of ticks in bed and at home. In a child, proximity to ticks can cause not only hives and itching on the skin, but also problems with breathing.

How to destroy bed mites?

As for how to get rid of bed mites, then for this there are a huge number of ways. First you need to carry out the processing of things and furniture, which could live small bugs. Bed linen, pajamas and other clothing should be thoroughly washed. For this, tar soap is best. If possible, boil all things, and then hang them to dry in the fresh air.

First wash all home textiles

If it's winter, this is another chance to get the bed mites out. In the cold you can make furniture, blankets and pillows. Enough freezing throughout the day to mites disappeared. They die when the thermometer drops below - 5 ºС, so you do not even need to wait for a hard frost.

Therefore, they can be destroyed by steaming. For this purpose, a special apparatus is used, which releases steam at 90 ºС. This is enough to destroy all ticks. It is best to entrust the process of processing furniture to professionals. They use not only hot steam, but also special chemicals. But here you need to be very careful, because for some time after cleaning you cannot use the furniture. Otherwise, poisoning may occur.

You can use soap with ammonia to clean sofas and mattresses. A feature of this method is that in this case there will be no harm to human health after the treatment of the room. You can be in the room right away, and not wait for several days until chemical poisons disappear.

Processing facilities for the destruction of bed mites is a complex event. If you do not follow some important rules, then no sense of the procedure will not.

In order to properly clean the room, you must first start a wet cleaning of the house.

Preventive measures

In order not to suffer from allergies, do not endanger the lives of their children and not think about how to deal with bed mites, it is necessary to take care that they do not disturb the residents of the house. For this you need to comply with preventive measures.

Bed linen should be changed regularly. After washing it must be ironed, and only then folded in the closet. So the risk of reproduction of ticks will be minimal.

It is very sad when in the most secluded and favorite place we can be in danger. After returning home after a hard day's work, we look forward to the moment when we can lie down on a comfortable and soft bed. But, as it is, regrettably, in it we are sometimes not the only inhabitants. No, we are not talking about children or spouse right now, but about those creatures who are daily tenants of our bed linen - bed mites.

Bed mites are very small and the neighborhood with them can negatively affect our health. But from where, do these microscopic pests come from? It may seem strange to you, but the bed mite appears from the most ordinary dust and pet hair. All natural materials that, in one way or another, are in contact with bedding, are a potential home for ticks. If you regularly use woolen blankets, feather pillows, terry sheets, wadded mattresses and fleecy capes, remember that bed mite, photo (1) which you see, can with great pleasure settle there. Since these items are rarely subjected to cleaning or washing, and the humidity and temperature in them is optimal for a tick, it becomes almost a permanent inhabitant in your bedroom. These invisible neighbors successfully use the fact that we do not always have the opportunity to wipe the floor under the bed with a damp cloth or change the sheets daily. At best, we do this no more than once a week, and with this we contribute to a safe stay of bed mites.

Bed mites, whose photos you have already viewed, are about half a millimeter long. The six-eyed creation is visible only under a microscope, which helps to see the chitinous envelope of a bug. This mite feeds on dead particles of cornified human skin. They are usually referred to as saprophytes, because, from a medical point of view, they are not capable of causing significant harm to a person, due to the fact that they do not live on a person, do not drink his blood and do not lay the larvae off. But you must agree that the bed mite, whose bites we feel on ourselves, can hardly bring us positive emotions. In addition, asthmatics may develop an allergy to the products of life of the bed mite, which can hardly be called a harmless effect.

Harm, which brings bed mite, symptoms and ways to combat it.

The answer to the previously asked question lies in the contact of the person with the feces of the microbe. The products of the mite's life activity when interacting with a person lead to an unpleasant and contagious disease, which is known to all as scabies. In a word, the bites of bed mites are not so terrible as his feces, which are near us all the time. If a person has experienced the negative impact of bed mites, he, as a rule, has one very obvious symptom: the appearance of red, itchy spots on the skin. By the way, many people mistakenly believe that these stains are provoked by the bite of a bed mite, but, as you can see, this is not quite so. In some cases, in addition to this symptom, an allergic reaction is manifested in the form of a throat or nose.

How to get rid of bed mites

It is clear that the treatment itself, and contact with ticks, is not a pleasant occupation. Therefore, most of us ask one single question after finding out who the bed mite is: how to get rid of it?

To minimize the presence of mites in bed, try to follow a few precious rules:

• - Ventilate the room daily and, if possible, do wet cleaning;
• - Do not allow dust to stagnate, especially under the bed.
• - Periodically wipe the covers of mattresses;
• - Roast bedding in the summer in the sun, and expose to frost in winter;
• - Periodic washing of pillows, bedspreads and blankets.

Performing all that is listed in this list, you will significantly reduce the risk of bed mite in your home.