In the laboratory experiments more than 80% of mites were killed after immersion in 0.2% and 0.4% solutions of eucalyptus oil for 30 and 60 minutes (Fig. 1). Fig. 1Interaction of eucalyptus oil concentration and time on the percentage of mites killed at water temperatures of 30° C (± 95% confidence interval).
Its ability to kill dust mites and other allergens, such as pet dander, makes it a must-have for anyone looking to reduce their exposure in the home. When washing your linens, bedding, and towels, you can put about 20 drops of eucalyptus oil or two teaspoons, killing any dust mites in the fibers.
Essential oils contain compounds that repel or kill insects, including dust mites. The best essential oils for getting rid of dust mites are clove, rosemary, and eucalyptus oil. Add 20 drops of oil to four ounces of witch hazel, and spray your mattress, couch, drapes, and other dust mite hangouts.
Use a HEPA air purifier for dust removal. You need a high quality HEPA filter with sufficient air flow to effectively clean your room so you are not breathing in the dust mites and whatnot. Cover your pillows and mattress in an allergen cover.
Dust mites live and multiply easily in warm, humid places. They prefer temperatures at or above 70 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity of 75 to 80 percent. They die when the humidity falls below 50 percent.
Dust mites occur naturally and can appear in nearly all homes. Humidity is the most important factor in determining whether a house has high levels of dust mites. This is because dust mites do not drink water like we do; they absorb moisture from the air.
Predators. The predators of dust mites are other allergenic mites (Cheyletiella), silverfish and pseudoscorpions.
Both steam cleaning and dry cleaning will take care of surface soil, but dry cleaning will not kill dust mites. Also, steam clean chairs, sofas, couches and carpets. Steam clean carpets and rugs on a regular basis. Once again, it will at least kill the mites even if it doesn't eliminate the allergens.
Vinegar has been used for centuries to help control dust mites, but there are other benefits as well. Vinegar can kill pests by making them steer clear of the areas that have been sprayed with it or destroying their protein which causes allergy symptoms in many people who react negatively against it.
Use a tea tree oil/eucalyptus spray - According to TheOrganisedHousewife.com, regularly dropping a few drops of tea tree oil or eucalyptus spray into your laundry will kill dust mites. Tea Tree Essential Oil is a natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and deodorizer.
To rid of dust mites, you'll need a hand-held vacuum, a steam cleaner, food grade hydrogen peroxide 3%, natural liquid soap, and water. This non-toxic cleaning method is very effective thanks to the dual antimicrobial action of hydrogen peroxide 3% and the heat from steam.
99% of dust mites can be eliminated from your bedding by the simple addition of a long soak in Eucalyptus essential oil.” The research work with this eucalyptus oil solution for dust mites was done at the University of Sydney in Australia.
A study done by the University of Sydney, Australia, says that adding Eucalyptus oil to your wash will eliminate 99% of dust mites from the bedding.
Kill dust mites immediately with tea tree oil
Spray this solution around your home on your upholstery, bedding, carpets, and rugs at least once per week to keep dust mites at bay and make you home smell fresh.
Though too small to see with the naked eye (only about . 33 millimeters long), dust mites are easily visible through even a cheap microscope. You can pick up an inexpensive microscope from any store that sells toys, a hobby store, or a thrift store and use it to discover whether your home has dust mites.
Spray Lysol on dust surfaces to kill dust mites
After cleaning dust surfaces with a vacuum, apply and spray Lysol on your furniture and fabrics.
Common signs of a dust mite allergy are sneezing, coughing, postnasal drip, runny or stuffy nose, itchy. and watery eyes, red, itchy skin, and itchy throat.
Although they may “hitchhike” on clothing, dust mites do not live on people. They feed primarily on dander, flakes of dead skin that fall from people and animals.
Discussion. The main finding of our study is that house dust mite allergen concentrations and total amounts in human hair are low.
Three most important functions to human life are heartbeat, breath and sleep. An active allergy to house dust mites (HDM) can interfere with breath and sleep. Wheezing, sneezing or itching, caused by an allergic reaction, is a known risk to sleep.
Showering will wash away any stray dust mite from your skin. It could also help relieve allergies by washing off any allergens clinging to your skin or hair. However, excessive showering can raise the level of humidity in a house, and dust mites thrive in a humid environment.
For sufferers, the one place where they are most susceptible is the bed – as this is a favourite haunt of the dust mite. Your allergies to dust and the mites can lead to a disrupted night's sleep as you scratch, sneeze and cough throughout the night.