With more then 10% of Americans and 80% of the population of the world allergic to dust mites, these small creatures cause a lot of trouble. Dust mites are also the cause of most asthma and breathing problems...making them especially troublesome to the elderly and the young. Did you know a high concentration of dust mites in your home can cause you to develop a dust mite allergy?

What are dust mites?

Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live by eating the dead skin and dander every living being sheds regularly. While the dust mite itself is harmless, his excrement and dead skin are not. Many people experience an allergic reaction when they inhale a protein found in the feces of these tiny insects. The reactions to a dust mite allergy can range from itchy eyes to a sever asthma attack.

Where do dust mites live?

Dust mites can live anywhere but are especially fond of your bed. Did you know that dust mites in pillows that are over 2 years old comprise up to 10% percent of the weight of the pillow? With that many pillow dust mites it is no wonder you can't sleep. There are over 10 million mattress dust mites in your bed also. Eeeww! Makes you want to rush out and buy a new bed, doesn't it!?

Before you do, you need to know you also have carpet dust mites. This means every time you walk across the floor, millions of them (and more importantly their feces) are launched into the air...triggering your dust mite allergies.

They also live in the drapes, in the couch, on your pets, and on any fabric surfaces in your home. They are everywhere!

How to kill dust mites

While you CAN kill dust mites...it is not an easy task. Here are some tips to get you started on the road to eliminating dust mites: Use a dust mite proof mattress cover. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to thoroughly vacuum the mattress and the floor. Then spray the mattress with a dust mite spray to kill them. Once that is done, put a dust mite proof mattress cover on the bed to keep them out.

1) Wash
Wash all of the bedding (including the pillows) in very hot water. Hot water(130F) and freezing kill dust mites. Bedding should be cleaned at least every two weeks, and a dust mite spray can be used between washings. You also should get dust mite pillow covers for all of your pillows to eliminate pillow dust mites.

2) Use an air purifier
There are many great air purifiers on the market that will help to eliminate dust mites in your home. Using one will help dust mite allergy sufferers a great deal.

3) Freeze toys
Place children's stuffed toys and anything else that can not be washed into the freezer for 24 hours. Dust mites can not tolerate extreme temperatures...so freezing will kill dust mites.

4) Use dust mite cleaner
Wipe all surfaces (including the floors) with a dust mite cleaner. These cleaners kill the dust mites as well as keep them from getting into the air like simple dusting can do.

5) A/C filters
You will need to use a HEPA A/C filter and spray it regularly with a dust mite spray to help eliminate dust mites in the A/C system. You can also remove any vents for your central a/c unit and spray a dust mite spray inside as far as you can.

I hope this information on dust mites has been informational for you and helps you to get rid of dust mites in your home. If you have a rash or bites, please check here to see if it could be dust mites.