Dust Mites live in bedding, mattresses, carpet and upholstered furniture. Even though they don’t bite, sting or burrow into people’s bodies they can cause pretty bad allergic reactions. Allergies can occur by inhaling their fecal matter and body fragments. This can have a dramatic impact on folks who are already prone to suffering from allergies and asthma. They’re more prevalent in areas of high humidity because they obtain their water from the air. In areas of very low humidity, they are relatively nonexistent. They feed on human skin cells found in dust.
Solutions to eradicating or at least controlling dust mites
- Wool mattress cover and pillows – dust mites hate wool.
- Vacuum mattress regularly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a high HEPA filter.
- Encase your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-impermeable covers.
- Damp-mop hard surface floors regularly to keep dust away.
- Wash your bedding once a week in hot water to kill dust mites.
- Place unwashable bedding in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filtered vacuum.
- Consider removing carpet and replacing with hard surface floors like vinyl or wood.
DIY Dust Mite Spray
Spray your mattress and bedding with an essential oil solution. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:
- Glass spray bottle
- 1/2 cup rubbing alcohol
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 30 drops essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, cinnamon, cypress, mint, lemon, cedarwood) Choose your favorites.
Mix ingredients in your glass bottle and shake well. Spray on and around your bed and bedding weekly to keep dust mites away.
This may be an uncomfortable topic. I know it is for me but being aware and taking action to keep these pesky little critters away will go a long way in protecting you from allergies and asthma. I think we can all sleep a little more peacefully knowing that there aren’t dust mites in our beds.
You may also like:
- Oil Pulling Benefits For Healthy Teeth & Gums
- DIY Herbal Mouthwash With Essential Oils
- Health Benefits of Cinnamon You Need to Know
- Eco-Friendly Natural Cleaning for Your Home
- Herbal Tinctures, How to Make Your Own
If you found this post useful please share the love by sharing on social media. I love feedback and comments so feel free to comment below!
Learn all about herbs and essential oils with this incredible bundle!