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Dust mites are tiny, microscopic creatures that live in every home. They feed on dead skin cells shed by humans and animals and thrive in warm, humid environments. Although they are not harmful to humans, their feces and body parts can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Here are seven facts about dust mites:
- Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye. Although dust mites are found in every home, they are too small to be seen without a microscope. These tiny creatures measure only about 0.3 millimeters in length and can only be seen under magnification. This means that even if your home looks clean and tidy, it could still be home to thousands of dust mites.
- Dust mites can survive for up to six months without food. Dust mites feed on dead skin cells, which are shed by humans and animals. They can survive for up to six months without food, which means that even if you vacuum regularly, you may not be able to completely eliminate them from your home. However, by reducing their food source, you can help to keep their population under control.
- Dust mites prefer temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments, and prefer temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius. This means that they are most active during the summer months when temperatures are higher. By keeping your home cool and dry, you can help to reduce their population.
- A single gram of dust can contain up to 1,000 dust mites. Dust mites can be found in dust, bedding, carpets, and upholstery. A single gram of dust can contain up to 1,000 dust mites, which means that they can quickly multiply and become a problem in your home. By vacuuming regularly and washing bedding in hot water, you can help to reduce their population.
- Dust mites do not bite or sting humans. Dust mites do not bite or sting humans, but their feces and body parts can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Common symptoms of dust mite allergies include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. By reducing their population in your home, you can help to reduce your symptoms.
- Dust mites can reproduce rapidly. Female dust mites can lay up to 80 eggs during their lifetime, which means that their population can quickly multiply if not kept under control. By washing bedding in hot water, using allergen-proof mattress and pillow covers, and vacuuming regularly, you can help to reduce their population.
- Dust mites can trigger asthma attacks. In addition to causing allergic reactions, dust mites can also trigger asthma attacks in people with asthma. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can make it difficult to breathe.
Sources:
"Dust Mite Allergy" by American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
"Dust Mites: Everything You Might Not Want to Know!" by Paul A. Offit, MD
