7 Ways to Get Dust Mites Under Control

Learn simple strategies to manage dust mite allergies.

By Krisha McCoy, MS
Medically reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MS, MPH
Article reprinted with permission from EverydayHealth.com

The main cause of perennial, or year-round, allergic rhinitis, dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in ordinary household dust. The droppings of these little creatures are proteins, which act as allergens to provoke allergic reactions in susceptible people. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis from dust mite allergens are like those from other causes of allergic rhinitis, including pollen, animal dander, and include itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, and a runny nose. Allergens from dust mites can also trigger asthma symptoms.

Where Are Dust Mites Found?

Dust mites are everywhere, even in the cleanest of houses. "You can't get rid of [dust mites]; there is no way," says Julie McNairn, MD, an allergist/immunologist in Cincinnati. "You have to just contain them." Dead dust mites and dust mite waste products make up some of the dust you can see floating in the air or sitting on a hard surface. They also live in your bedding, upholstered furniture, rugs, and carpeting. Since dust mites thrive when the humidity is high, there are typically more dust mites in the summer and fewer in the winter. In warmer, more humid climates, however, dust mites are plentiful throughout the year.

Diagnosing Dust Mite Allergies

If you have asthma or sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes that bother you all year—or all season-long, an allergist can find out if dust mite allergens are triggering your symptoms.

Without allergy testing, it'll be difficult to tell whether you're reacting to dust mites or have an allergy to another substance, such as pollen or mold. But one clue, says Dr. McNairn, is that people with dust mite allergies tend to have the most severe symptoms first thing in the morning. The reason: "You have been sleeping in your room with the dust mites all night long," McNairn says. "And your bedroom is where the dust levels tend to be high."

Managing Dust Mite Allergies

Allergy medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots) can help manage symptoms in people who have an allergy to dust mites. And while you can't get rid of dust mites, you can learn to reduce your daily exposure to them, says McNairn. Here's how.

Keep the relative humidity in your home below 50 percent. A dehumidifier placed in damp areas such as the basement can help accomplish this.
Replace carpeting with hard floor surfaces such as hardwood, linoleum, or tile.
Wash your bedding in hot water regularly.
Minimize the number of soft objects in your home that you can't clean (stuffed animals and pillows, for instance).
Have a person who is not allergic to dust mites or other indoor allergens do the cleaning in your home.
If you clean, wear a face mask and goggles to limit your exposure to airborne dust mite allergens.
Consider replacing upholstered furniture with leather furniture, which can be wiped down.

It might take a little work to keep the dust mites under control, but it'll be worth it—especially if you can get some new furniture and a house cleaner out of the deal!