dust mites!!! GROss but TRUe huaRGH!!!
- House dust mites are microscope bugs that primarily live on dead skin cells regularly shed from humans and their animal pets.
- A typical mattress can contain tens of thousands of dust mites
- Nearly 100,000 mites can live in one square yard of carpet
- A typical used mattress may have anywhere from 100,000 to 10 million mites inside.
- Ten percent of the weight of a two year old pillow can be composed of dead mites and their droppings
- Mites prefer warm, moist surroundings such as the inside of a mattress when someone is on it.
Are they harmful?
- NOt really harmful... but isint it GROSS??
- induces allergic reactions
- triggers rhinitis allergica or bronchial asthma
HOW TO CONTROL??
Control of dust mites can be difficult, time-consuming and expensive. For people who are extremely sensitive, the following measures should be taken<B>:
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- Enclose mattresses, box springs and pillows in zippered allergen- and dust-proof covers.
- Wash bedding materials, including pillow cases, sheets, blankets and mattress pads every other week in hot water (130 °F).
- Eliminate or reduce fabric wall hangings such as tapestries or pennants.
- Purchase stuffed toys that are machine washable.
- Avoid using curtains, drapes or blinds on windows. Use plastic shades instead.
- Remove carpeting from the bedroom of the allergic person and replace it with tile or wooden floors.
- Replace upholstered furniture with wooden or plastic furniture.
- Vacuum often with a vacuum cleaner provided with a high efficiency purifying air (HEPA) filtration system. Throw away vacuum bags after use because dust mites can leave the bag.
