Dust Mites

 

Dust Mites are extremely small, hardly visible and average between 0.3mm to 0.5mm in size. These creatures are related to ticks and spiders and live in house dust and may be the reason you are suffering with a Dust Mite Allergy.

You may know someone who suffers from the following respiratory problems and other related issues such as:-

 

 

 

• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rashes
• Wheezing – when trying to breathe
• Dust mite faeces and enzymes can cause any of the above allergic reactions and it is estimated that 80% of allergy related issues can result from the airborne dust mite.

 

Temperatures Suitable for Dust Mite Growth

Dust Mites need a narrow range of high temperatures and humid conditions to thrive. The dust mite population tend to grow in conditions between 18oc to 25oc.

Living dust mites do not themselves cause allergic reactions, but their enzymes and faeces are the causes that can trigger allergic reactions in some people.

 

Protein DER p1

The DER p1 protein produced by dust mites are thought to be one of the most important allergens associated with asthma and can create an adverse effect from those who are allergic to it. For those who suffer, it becomes important to reduce their exposure to DER p1.

It is well worth reducing airborne dust mite droppings and removing the environments that are conducive to dust mites.

Carpets are often blamed for housing allergens that pollute our homes and indoor environments. However, by acting as an absorbent for common airborne pollutants, the filter-link properties of carpets can help to prevent allergens from circulating in the air, improving your indoor air quality and breathing zone.

To help control dust mites, we suggest the following preventative actions can be taken:

• Vacuum all furnishings.
• Wash all bedding, soft toys and cushion covers at 60 degrees. Thoroughly air your bedding, it helps to leave your duvet drawn, so your bottom sheet is exposed.
• Use allergen and dust proof covers on bedding, mattresses and pillows (Encase them in allergen impermeable covers).
• Put blankets in the sun to air every week.
• Brush or shake rugs outside. Sunlight kills mites.
• Vacuuming mattresses will remove some of the skin dust, on which mites feed.
• Thoroughly ventilate your home and open windows particularly in bedrooms, this will help to lower humidity.
• Remove all sources of dampness (i.e water leaks).
• Use an air purifier to remove airborne allergens.

 

Airborne Dust Mite Allergens

When dust mite faeces and enzymes are held in the carpet pile, they do not pose a hazard to sensitive people. It is only when they are airborne that allergen particles pose a health problem by being available for inhalation.

These very fine allergen particles and flakes of skin, which comprise of the food source of the mite, are easily removed from carpets by a proper carpet clean.

Allergies and asthma are a concern for all of us, but we at Smile Carpet Cleaning can help reduce the effects of Dust Mite Allergen and airborne pollutants in your home, with our specially formulated Healthy Home cleaning package and Dust Mite Anti-Allergen Treatments.

 

How effective is  Dust Mite Anti-Allergen Treatment?

Studies show that Dust Mite Anti Allergen treatment is effective at rendering dust mite allergens harmless

• Helps to control the major causes of asthma
• Our treatment will not harm interior surfaces and fabrics
• It can be applied to all household furnishings, carpets, bedding & mattresses
• Our treatment will not harm humans or animals
• Friendly to the environment
• Is not a pesticide or drug
• It is fully biodegradable and contains no CFC’s