|
|
||
|
Dust Mite Info Eliminating Mites Preventing Mites
Finding Dust
Mites |
Preventing Dust MitesYou will most likely never eliminate dust mites from your home entirely, but by doing some simple tasks you can greatly reduce the amount of mites in your home. Use Hepa FiltersHEPA
air filters (“High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestors”) are the most
effective type of filter at capturing dust and allergens, including dust
mites. HEPA filters were developed by the Atomic Energy Commission
during World War II to remove radio active dust from the air. Today,
they are recommended by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. Built-in
ionizers have been found to enhance the performance of a HEPA filter,
according to studies by the Journal of Hygiene. A germicidal UV lamp also plays an important role in neutralizing dust mites. Once they are captured by a filter, the UV bulb exposes the dust mites to deadly ultraviolet radiation. The Multi-Tech air purifier combines both a HEPA air filter and ionizer to optimize its effectiveness at removing dust and allergens from the air. In clinical studies, the Multi-Tech was found to be nearly 100% effective at removing airborne particles. It also offers a germicidal UV lamp, providing the perfect set of technologies to trap and destroy dust mites. Reduce Humidity in the homeDust mites thrive in humid environments. If you have a humidity level of 65% or greater you should use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity level. When a mite lives in a high humidity environment they will eat more and reproduce at a greater rate. The Surround Air Dehumidifier has an adjustable humidistat which allows you to specify the humidity level (RH%) you would like to achieve. You may need to test and see what your current humidity level is. "The easiest, least expensive way, is to buy a $15 hygrometer to assess indoor humidity. Optimally, humidity in your home should be below 40 percent." Harold S. Nelson, M.D.
Install wood floors rather than carpetDust mites live in carpets. By installing wood floors you eliminate the mites from nesting in your carpets. A shaggy carpet will have 100 times the amount of mites in it, compared to a smooth wooden floor. If you do install carpet, get a low pile variety. Use wooden or plastic furniture
Wash clothes regularlyDust mites travel from room to room, and even house to house, by attaching to your clothing. By washing your clothes regularly and not letting dirty clothes sit in piles you can reduce the amount of mites in your home. Washing in 60oF water is effective, but 130oF water will kill all dust mites. Washing in cold water kills about 90% of dust mites. Dry Cleaning Dry cleaning kills all dust mites. Use encasings or coverings on your mattressYou spend about 1/3 of your day in bed. With this amount
of time in Use plastic blinds rather than drapes or curtains
Featured Air Purifier:
|
|
|
Dust Mite Info | Eliminating Mites | Preventing Mites
Dehumidifier Buying Guide
|
Air Ionizers w/ Hepa Filters
|
Finding Dust
Mites |
||
|
Dust Mite Information Center Copyright © 2004 Dust Mite Information Center, All Rights Reserved. |
||
Dust mites tend to live where people spend a lot of
time. Your favorite sofa or recliner can be a haven for dust mites.
They can entrench
themselves into the upholstery on your furniture. Wooden and plastic
furniture will eliminate this home for the mites.
one place, the bedroom is a great place to reduce the amount of
dust mites. Your mattress is an ideal place for mites, a typical bed
mattress may have contain anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites.
Pillow top mattresses with deep indentions are prime sites for dust mites.
Using a plastic cover on your mattress will keep the mites away from your
body and clothing. It is not uncommon to have thousands of dust mites
living within 1 square inch of a mattress.
Drapes and curtains can also be a prime site for mites.
Most curtains and drapes do not get touched very often, thus the mites are
not disturbed. The mites also like the mild heat from sunlight that
normally comes through onto curtains. Plastic blinds can easily be
wiped them down to reduce the amount of mites.