Housedust mites are tiny, invisible organisms that live by eating human skin scales. Invariably, they live where people live. Mites like living in dark, warm, humid conditions where there is a large supply of their food. In the home this means they can be found in carpets, bedding and soft furniture. In themselves, mites are harmless unless a person is sensitive to them, in which case allergy may develop to proteins in mite faeces. In allergic subjects this can cause or contribute to the diseases of asthma, hay fever or eczema. If you are allergic to house dust mites, the following measures can reduce your exposure and help to treat your allergic problems.

Carpets

No carpet is best, particularly in the bedroom. Polished boards, tiles, lino or slate are alternatives that minimise dust and mites. If carpet is necessary, keep it as clean as possible (preferably get someone else to vacuum it, or use a mask), and shake rugs and moveable floor coverings outside the house. Direct sunlight kills house dust mites.

Bedding

Cover mattresses and pillows with barrier materials that won't let mites through. Your local pharmacist or Asthma Foundation has a range of these covers. Use sheets, doonas and blankets that can be washed regularly, and avoid feather doonas and pillows. Wash bed clothes in hot water (55°C or higher) to kill house dust mites. Alternatively, soak blankets for one hour in a solution of 100ml eucalyptus oil and 20ml dishwashing liquid added to a laundry tub of warm water.

Soft Furnishings

Try to minimise soft furnishings in the bedroom. Curtains should be washed regularly if possible. Alternatives are roller or vertical blinds that don't attract dust.

Soft Toys

Minimise soft toys in the sleeping area. Wash them regularly or, alternatively, put them in the deep freeze overnight once a month to kill mites.

Acaracides (insecticides that kill mites)

Aracacides need to be used repeatedly and, therefore, are expensive with little convincing evidence of additional benefit beyond the measures already mentioned. We don't know how safe they are long term and do not recommend their use.

General

Keep the house well ventilated and free from damp and moisture as possible, and keep pets out of the house.

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