House Dust Mite
A number of species of house-dust mites have been found throughout the world. The most common one in the U.S. is the North American house dust mite and the European house-dust mite are also problems.

House-dust mites are found most often in damp places that are also associated with fairly constant occupation by people or pets. In addition to being found in houses, these mites may be found in hospitals, hotels and motels. They are not common in retail stores or offices. Within buildings, these mites live in mattresses, pillows, overstuffed furniture and other places where humans rest. The human body constantly gives off moisture which keeps the mites' habitat suitably damp. House-dust mites can also be found in rugs, cracks in the floor and other protected places. Cracks in a room over an unheated area are attractive, because the air in these cracks is usually relatively moist.

House Dust Mite Magnified x2000 Times

Eggs are laid singly and hatch in one to two weeks. There are three active immature stages. Each stage feeds and then molts, with the last molt producing the adult. The adults are very small, requiring at least l0x magnification to even be seen. The life cycle, from egg to adult, is completed in about one month. The adult mites can live one to three months.

These mites will eat most anything, but probably depend heavily on flecks or scales of skin which are constantly shed by humans and pets. The average person sheds 1/5-ounce of this dander per week. The mites can also live on dog food, cereals, yeast, ground beef, and various mixtures of human or pet foods which can end up decaying on floors or upholstery.

Some people are sensitive to these mites or the allergens (allergy-producing chemicals) they produce. An asthma-like reaction generally results, rather than a skin irritation. The allergens produced by the mites are quite stable and will remain for long periods. As a result, elimination of the mites may not provide immediate relief. Vacuuming and electronic dust filters may be helpful.

Chemical controls for the house dust mites include products such as Sterifab.  Cleaning of air ducts and the use of air cleaning machines are useless in most situations even though they are marketed as "mite" removal or killing procedures.  Beware of scam artists and advertising that promotes house dust mite control.  It usually impossible to kill something you can't even see.

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