Homeowners are constantly on the hunt for invasive pests, and one of the worst offenders is dust mites. Dust mites are small insects that consume the dead skin cells that make up dust. Thankfully, they don't carry disease, but their droppings could lead to asthma or allergy symptoms.
You don't want these pests to make you feel uncomfortable in your own home, so getting rid of them is critical to your well-being. With this in mind, here are five ways to eliminate dust mites in your home.
Clean Your Bedding Often
Since you spend around eight hours per night in your bed, this should be the first place you check for dust mites. Changing your linens and washing them thoroughly is essential for eliminating dust mites in your home. Cleaning your bed sheets at least once per week in hot water will help you kill dust mites and remove any other allergens that may be present.
Cut Down on Clutter
Everyone loves their personal belongings until they start impacting their health. Unfortunately, the more items you own, the more likely it is that these things will collect dust, increasing the risk of dust mites being present. You can keep your collectibles in a box or covered container so that dust can't get in.
Vacuum Your Carpets Daily
Wall-to-wall carpeting is often a haven for dust mites. Carpeting is quite effective at trapping dead skin cells that dust mites love, which is why you should vacuum your carpets daily if you want to eliminate dust mites completely. Removing wall-to-wall carpeting might be best if the dust mites persist, but if this isn't possible, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter should get the job done.
Clean or Replace Your HVAC Filter
As you can imagine, your HVAC system will strongly affect how much dust circulates throughout your home. Investing in pleated furnace filters will help your system trap dust more effectively, making your home less enticing for dust mites. In addition, replacing or cleaning your air filter on a routine basis will keep out dust mites and prevent your system from overheating.
Lower the Humidity in Your Home
Having too much humidity in your home is another way to attract dust mites. Using a dehumidifier is the best way to keep the humidity in your home to a minimum, but opening up your windows and increasing ventilation will also help.
Your bathroom fan might be able to reduce moisture after a shower, but you should check other areas of your home for moisture as well. Improper ductwork, poorly sealed windows, and damp basements could be places where dust mites thrive.
Overall, dust mites are a pain to deal with, but you shouldn't have to worry as long as you follow these tips. Now that you know the top five ways to eliminate dust mites in your home, start practicing them so you can breathe easier.
