The Truth About Dust Mites

Did you ever think about how many dust mites are among us and how dirty they really are? Well to tell you the truth, you may not want to know. But for those brave enough to learn about the "creepy crawlers," then read on about the bugs that sleep with you and eat in your kitchen. Male and female dust mites have a different life span with females living a little over two months and males living a little less than three weeks. The female can lay up to one hundred eggs in the last five weeks of her life cycle. Both male and females produce an excessive amount of fecal particles that no one can measure for certain; some records indicate at least two thousand fecal particles per female dust mite in her short life span.

Yuck!

Guess where their favorite places are in your home? Dust mites are everywhere throughout the home. But like all of us, they do have their preferred places to congregate: It is the kitchen and your bed, according to Wikipedia. Apparently, they love our bedding, including the sheets, pillows, comforters, mattresses, carpets, and furniture pieces. These areas are also their favorite egg-laying areas.

Yuck again!

Due to all the dust and waste matter, this is why it is so important to clean surfaces of your home regularly. With thorough cleanings, the dust mite population can be kept at bay. You want to make sure you remove the dust mites rather than simply scatter them around: a) use a damp clean cloth to gently wipe surfaces, including your mattress; b) wash bedding often; c) have your comforter cleaned, if it can not be washed; d) steam clean your carpets; and e) wipe down your furniture regularly. As a matter of fact, use a damp cloth on all material furniture if it is safe (make sure it will not change the fabric by testing in an unseen place before using a damp cloth all over the material.) These cleaning techniques listed above will rid your house of some dust mites and also prevent excessive amounts of dust from building in your home. We can't ever completely rid ourselves of "them" all, but we sure can reduce their numbers. Therefore, keeping your home cleaner!