It’s not easy to get rid of mites, but don’t give up! Mites are responsible for 50% of dust allergy symptoms.
Mites are very small creatures and are the main cause of dust allergies. The symptoms caused by such allergies include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, itching sensation in the nose and eye area and in the most severe cases, asthma attacks.
Mites belong to arachnids, being related to spiders and scorpions. You can find them in any corner of your home. Perhaps you’re surrounded by thousands of these tiny creatures right now.
We are constantly exposed to a vast world of microorganisms, where mites are only a small part. These tiny arachnids are not very dangerous and, because you can’t see them with the naked eye, it’s unlikely to bother you too much.
The species of mites that invade our homes and cause the development of allergies and respiratory problems is the dust mites. In order to kill these pests, you first need to know a few things about them.
Where dust mites live?
Dust mites are practically invisible organisms (one mite measures approximately 0.3 mm), which feed on dead cells produced by our skin. Dust allergy occurs due to microscopic faces particles that these mites produce. Each dust mite can produce up to 20 of such particles each day.
If we consider that the life of these creatures is 10 weeks long, this means that a single dust mite produces about 2,000 fecal particles. Moreover, inside an ordinary bed mattress live thousands, perhaps even millions of dust mites!
Male dust mites live only 10 days, but female life expectancy is up to 70 days, during which each of them may submit 60-100 eggs. Considering this rate, the mites can invade any home in a few weeks.
Dust mites avoid the light, which is why they like to hide in fabric such as those used in the manufacture of upholstery, mattresses, carpets and toys. In terms of reproduction, these microscopic arachnids prefer warm spaces full of moisture, such as attics and basements.
Natural spray that kills dust mites
Although stores provide us with a wide range of insecticides, we can prepare our own insecticide against mites. This natural product will ward off dust mites from all corners of your home.
Here are the necessary ingredients:
• spray bottle
• half a cup of rubbing alcohol
• half a cup of distilled water
• 30 drops of essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, cypress, cinnamon, etc.)
Put all ingredients in a spray bottle, mix them well and you’re ready to remove the dust mites inside your home. Apply the obtained mixture on bedding, pillows, blankets, curtains and any area where dust accumulates.
Don’t try this remedy if you have children smaller than 3 years old or pregnant women living in the house. In addition, after using the spray, allow the solution to evaporate completely before using those objects.
The dust mite number in your home will greatly reduce for about two months. But to make sure that the mites will not invade your house again, apply this spray once every 2 or 3 months.