Home remedies for mites are usually effective. It is important to apply them to prevent them from accumulating in the home and can cause allergic reactions.

Mites are small insects that live in the home and can be the cause of various pathologies such as allergies, scabies or scabies and dermatitis. For this reason, it is appropriate to know some home remedies for mites that help eliminate them or reduce their population.

Although they are not visible to the naked eye, they are always present in dust and preferentially accumulate in bedrooms. High temperatures and humidity favor its reproduction, so these are two key points to take into account. Here are some tips to keep them at bay.

Dust mites and allergies

Mites are a family of arachnids (like spiders or ticks) and are invisible to the naked eye. They live in dust, feed on the skin that people shed, and prefer warm, humid environments. For this reason, they are commonly found in beds, pillows, clothing, blankets, and mattresses.

These have been recognized as the main culprits in dust allergies. They cause reactions in a large part of the population, and this appears during childhood or adolescence. Initially, the allergy occurs due to exposure to the proteins in your feces. The main symptoms that trigger are the following:

  • Nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose.
  • Tearing, red eyes, itching.
  • Itching in the nose, throat or palate.
  • Cough.
  • Facial pain and pressure.
  • Bluish and inflamed skin under the eyes.

Also, when allergy to dust mites contributes to the onset of asthma, it can lead to other consequences such as difficulty breathing, pain or tightness in the chest, wheezing, and trouble sleeping due to lack of air.

To control allergies, the first essential step is to avoid contact with mites. In this way, bothersome symptoms can disappear or significantly decrease. However, some people may need medication to get better, such as antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroids.

9 home remedies for mites

As we have seen, to minimize the appearance of symptoms of an allergic reaction, it is best to minimize exposure to mites. Although it is not possible to eliminate them completely, we recommend that you take into account these seven home remedies for mites.

1. Control humidity

Humidity contributes to the reproduction and survival of mites in the home. According to a work published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, keeping humidity conditions below 50% is useful to control its population at optimal levels. Dehumidifying devices or air conditioners are usually useful in these cases.

2. Pay attention to the mattress and pillows

It can be impressive how many dust mites can be found in bedroom pillows and mattresses. In some stores, you can find anti-mite covers that prevent these insects from concentrating on them. If you do not have this style of covers, it can work to vacuum the entire bed.

Experts also recommend using plastic liners on blankets and mattresses (when not in use), washing sleepwear, pillowcases, and more in hot water at least once a week. The suggested temperature is at least 55°C.

3. Ventilate the home well

It is essential to ventilate the home, especially the rooms. As mites have a special preference for sheets, mattresses and pillows, it is important to leave the bedroom window open for at least half an hour a day. This can contribute to the control of humidity and indoor temperature in a natural way.

4. Dust frequently

When performing this task, it is important not to raise dust. You can use a damp cloth to prevent both dust and mites from entering the air and remaining in suspension. In addition, it is advisable to use the vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping. It has been suggested that steam can kill mites, so you can use such a cleaner as well.

Apart from a good cleaning, it is also advisable to avoid furry decoration as much as possible, as well as magazines, books or bouquets of dried flowers. Dust also collects on them. For this reason, it is preferable to keep them outside the room and keep them in closets or bookstores away from the resting place.

5. Wash the curtains regularly

Curtains are another favorite site for mites. Whenever you can, reduce the amount of these in your home; especially if they are very close to your bedroom. You should wash them regularly based on the recommendations given for the covers and covers (hot water).

6. Avoid carpets

Carpets have been classified as one of the points in the home where mites can reproduce more quickly. It is best not to have them, but if you have one, you should clean them as best as possible and frequently (at least once a week).

It is also preferable to avoid or remove rugs and upholstered furniture. Dust mites don’t survive on surfaces like wood and vinyl, or at least they’re not their favorite haunt.

7. Use chemicals

In supermarkets you can find acaricidal products, which are usually very similar to insecticides used against other types of insects. The problem with using these products is that they do not eliminate dead mites that can also cause allergies. It is recommended to perform a deep cleaning after applying them.

Mites like to live in places that are not clean, so it is advisable to remove dirt and dust, both from curtains and furniture. Remember that the effect of acaricides is short-term, and it is necessary to ventilate the area to avoid the accumulation of gases and odors that can cause irritation to the mucous membranes.

8. Use white vinegar

White vinegar is a home remedy widely used in household cleaning. There is no evidence to support its use against mites, but it can be a practical and affordable ally for cleaning dust in general. However, be sure to include it among the home remedies for mites at home. Let’s see how you can use it.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup of water.
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar.

Preparation

  1. Combine both ingredients.
  2. Pour into a bottle that doubles as a spray bottle.

How to use

  1. Apply in all spaces in the room, mainly in places where mites usually appear.
  2. With a cloth, remove the dust.
  3. Repeat this procedure twice a week.

9. Use bleach

Of course, do it only under the surfaces that are compatible with it. Like white vinegar, bleach is a traditional ally in cleaning the home. Some studies have found that washing clothes with a little bit of bleach can be effective in killing dust mites on the clothes. It is a product that you can take advantage of in your weekly cleaning to control dust.

Ingredients

  • 1 liter of water.
  • 4 tablespoons of bleach.

Preparation

  1. Mix the water and bleach in a container until both liquids are unified.

How to use

  1. Add it to a spray bottle or other container and use it to remove dust from some surfaces. You can also include the mixture to wash carpets, curtains, clothes and more.

Final considerations on eliminating house mites

These tiny insects can be a problem for the whole family because they can cause allergies and even other diseases. Applying these home remedies for mites contributes to their elimination and control, to the point that they are emerging as the most important and practical intervention therapy in these contexts.

However, if you suffer from constant runny nose, sneezing, difficulty breathing or wheezing; consult with your family doctor to evaluate the existence of a possible allergy . Along with the measures discussed, you can find the best way to live with this problem.

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