How to recognise dust mite bites and protect yourself from allergies?

Our home environment is teeming with many small creatures, many of which we can’t even see with the naked eye. Dust mites (also known as bed mites or bedbugs) are one of them. Although they are invisible, their effects can be strongly felt by people, especially those who are allergic to dust mites.

If you have a runny nose, itchy eyes or shortness of breath, it may not be a cold, but symptoms of a dust mite allergy. These sensations are particularly acute at night, when we are closest to the main mite-friendly areas: mattresses, pillows or carpets.

Many people think that the red spots on the skin are the bites of bedbugs, but these arachnids do not bite humans. Skin irritation is caused by the proteins they secrete in faeces or dust and not by direct contact.

How to recognise dust mite bites and allergies, how to reduce the number of dust mites in your home, and which products – from cleaning to dust mite sprays – really work? All this in the article below.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

What are dust mites anyway?

Dust mites are microscopic arachnids commonly found in the dust of our homes. They are also known as bed mites or bedding mites because they usually breed in upholstered furniture, mattresses, bedding and other warm, damp places.

Characteristics of these creatures:

• They are only 0.2-0.4 mm in size, translucent, oval in shape and have no wings.
• Feed on dead human or animal skin cells (dandruff).
• Can survive for up to 2 months, depending on environmental conditions.

Where do they hide most often?

The highest concentrations of dust mites are found in:

• Upholstered furniture;
• In carpets (especially long pile);
• Mattresses, bedding;
• In curtains;
• Soft toys for children.

How often are dust mites found in our homes?

House dust mites are a very common guest in everyone’s home. Studies show that:

• As many as 84% of US households have been found to have dust mites, so the situation in Lithuania is likely to be very similar.
• 5-30% of people may be allergic to them, but the true figures may be even higher.
• In Germany, for example, as many as 1 in 4 people are diagnosed with dust mite allergy.

Dust mite bites

Many of us are convinced that the red spots we see on our skin after a night out are dust mite bites. But these miniature arachnids don’t really bite human skin.

In fact, it is the dust mite allergens that irritate the skin and cause side reactions (redness, rashes, itching). The secretions and faeces of dust mites contain proteins that cause allergy symptoms in more sensitive people.

What do dust mite bites look like?

Although dust mites do not bite human skin, the allergens they release can cause severe skin reactions. Inhaling or coming into contact with dust mite allergens can cause rashes on the skin, which are usually very similar to atopic dermatitis (eczema):

• Small, red, itchy dots;
• May occur singly or in larger clusters;
• Most common at night or in the morning when lying in bed for long periods of time where dust mites have accumulated.

Some people confuse these rashes with mosquito or flea bites, but in the case of dust mites, the itching is more severe and the rashes are more widespread, especially on the thighs, arms, abdomen or back.

How to treat dust mite bites?

Symptoms caused by dust mites can be unpleasant, but can usually be alleviated by simple measures:

• Creams, lotions. Use anti-itch creams such as those containing hydrocortisone. Anaesthetic creams that reduce discomfort are also suitable.
• Allergy medicines. If the itching is very intense, you may need to take antihistamines.
• Natural remedies. You can also try natural remedies such as aloe vera gel.

If symptoms persist or recur frequently, it is worth consulting your doctor. Especially if you suspect that dust mite bites or an allergy to dust mites are interfering with sleep, breathing or daily well-being.

Dust mite allergy: what are the signs?

Dust mites usually cause respiratory, skin and general symptoms. Their severity depends on individual sensitivity and the intensity of exposure to bed mites.

The most common signs:

• Fatigue and lack of energy. Over time, sleep disturbances may also occur, due to constant exposure to allergens, especially while sleeping.
• Respiratory reactions: sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing or even breathlessness. In some cases, a feeling of tightness in the chest.
• Eye and skin irritation: itchy eyes, watery eyes, itchy rashes, red or dry skin.

If these symptoms worsen when you are in bed or worsen at night, it is very likely that they are caused by bed mites or bed mite allergens – dust mite allergy.

How can I reduce the bed mite population in my home and alleviate the symptoms of dust mite allergy?

It is not possible to eradicate the entire population of dust mites, but you can reduce the number of these pests significantly. The severity of the allergic reaction depends on the intensity of contact with the allergen, i.e. the fewer dust mites in your home, the weaker your allergy symptoms will be.

Your doctor will help you decide what is the most effective treatment for dust mite allergy. In the meantime, we share practical tips on what you can do yourself, in the comfort of your own home, without complicated measures or lengthy preparations.

An effective 3-step system to combat dust mites

Perhaps the most effective way to combat dust mite allergies is to improve the air quality in your home. Bed mites like a warm and humid environment where they can breed quickly, so it is important to create an environment that is not favourable to them:

1. Monitoring weather conditions. First, take stock of the situation – whether your home has the right microclimate. Parameters such as temperature and relative humidity determine whether dust mites will be able to breed. A humidity level of 20-50% is optimal.
2. Dehumidification. If the humidity is too high, consider using a dehumidifier. This not only helps to curb the spread of dust mites but also reduces the risk of mould and other pathogens.
3. Air purification. High-quality air purifiers reduce dust, allergens, pollen, mould spores and other pathogens in the air. It is also convenient to choose a dehumidifier and an air purifier that combine the functions of a dehumidifier and an air purifier, which maintains the right microclimate and cleans the air at the same time – especially important for people with sensitivities or allergies.

Adaptation of the home environment for people with dust mite allergy

To reduce contact with dust mites, it is important to review what accumulates dust and allergens in the home. Ticks tend to settle on soft, warm, moisture-absorbing surfaces, so it is worth moving away from some of the usual solutions and replacing them with more hygienic alternatives.

• Bed linen and textiles. Bed mites are particularly fond of mattresses, pillows and blankets. Use anti-allergenic covers, and instead of down pillows and blankets, choose synthetic ones that can be washed at high temperatures.
• Upholstered furniture is a real haven for dust and bed mites. Choose wooden, leather, plastic or wicker instead. These surfaces are easy to clean and do not collect dust.
• Window textiles. If possible, replace traditional curtains with roller blinds, shutters or easily washable fabrics.
• Carpets and decorations. Avoid woollen and sheepskin products, decorative carpets and rugs. If you leave some behind, be sure to wash and dry regularly in the sun.
• In children’s rooms, dust mites often settle on beds, mattresses or soft toys. If your child is allergic, it is worth considering reducing the amount of soft toys in the sleeping area. Cleanliness in the children’s room is particularly important as dust mite allergies can be more severe in a child than in an adult.

Textile care tips to help reduce dust mite populations

Regular washing is one of the most important prevention measures:

• Bed linen and mattress covers should be washed at least once a week at 60 °C, a temperature that helps destroy both dust mites and the allergens they produce. Blankets, pillows, bedspreads, mattress covers and other bedroom textiles should also be washed at least every couple of months.
• Plush toys, especially those stored in beds, should also be washed at least once a week. Sometimes you will also hear advice to refrigerate toys, but this does not remove allergens – so washing at high temperatures is a more reliable solution.
• If you have clothes that have been stored for a long time, make sure you wash them before wearing them again – dust mites can also be housed in the wardrobe.
• If possible, use a tumble dryer and dry textiles at a high temperature – this is another way to reduce allergens and stop dust mites spreading in bed.

Cleaning and vacuuming

To prevent dust mites from accumulating, your home must be regularly maintained. One of the most important steps is wet cleaning, which prevents dust from becoming airborne. Wipe surfaces at least once a week with a damp cloth or special cloths, especially in the sleeping area.

Vacuum the whole house at least once a week, paying more attention to the seams of mattresses and upholstered furniture, where mites tend to accumulate. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters work best, trapping even the smallest allergens. After vacuuming, it’s a good idea to air out your home for at least 30 minutes to disperse airborne allergens.

Steam cleaning is particularly effective. Hot steam cleaners help to kill dust mites without chemicals. They can be used to clean carpets, mattresses, blankets, pillows or other textiles where allergens build up.

If you are allergic to dust mites, wear a mask or respirator when vacuuming to minimise dust inhalation. If possible, it is better to leave the job to another family member.

Chemical and natural remedies for dust mites

To reduce the dust mite population and avoid dust mite allergies, special chemical or natural products can be used. These are usually sprayed or sprinkled on fabrics, textiles, mattresses or furniture where mites like to hide.

• Chemical agents (insecticides). Various compounds such as benzyl benzoate, permethrins, pyrethroids, carbamates, etc. are used to kill dust mites. Although effective, these substances should be used with caution, especially if there are children or pets in the house.
• Household products. Some people prefer simpler alternatives such as: baking soda, salt, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, borax (boric acid). These substances can help to reduce the environment favourable to dust mites, but their effect is short-lived.
• Natural sprays. Natural dust mite sprays containing only bioethanol and essential oils (e.g. tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus or cinnamon) are also gaining traction. Studies show that such sprays can be quite effective. They are also safe for humans, animals and the environment.

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What if you can’t cope with dust mites?

If your dust mite bites or allergy symptoms persist and you still find signs of dust mites in your home, it is worth looking for more effective solutions.

Want to get rid of dust mites for good and improve your quality of life? We offer a free consultation to help you assess your situation and find the best solution.