Truth be told, dust mites are more common than anyone would like to imagine, inhabiting a large percentage of homes worldwide. “If your space is dusty and not regularly cleaned, including washed bedding, then the chances of having them is pretty high,” explains Allan Bossel, operations expert with Bed Bug Exterminator. Luckily, dust mites don’t bite and are entirely normal to have in your home. But, when in large numbers, they can cause allergic and asthmatic-related responses in the body. “Remember that you will never completely eliminate dust mites, as they are just a part of any household,” says pest control expert Nicole Carpenter. However, “when their numbers get too high, they pose real health risks,” she adds.
The following are signs that you might have a dust mite infestation:
- Random, inexplicable allergic reactions or symptoms, like sneezing or itchy eyes upon waking
- A musty odor in bedrooms
- Visible dust coming from your pillow when fluffing it
- Dust building up near your bed just a few days after deep cleaning
- Allergy symptoms worsening for no obvious reason when home
- Waking up with tiny itchy spots on your arms or neck
I’ve noticed that sometimes, after a thorough spring cleaning, my bedroom still feels a bit “off” with that musty smell lingering, especially around the bed. It’s a subtle clue, but it’s made me wonder about dust mites more than once. To add to what the experts say, studies suggest that up to 20% of people might experience allergic reactions linked to dust mites, with symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes being the most common. The science behind this is tied to the proteins in dust mite droppings, which can trigger immune responses in sensitive folks. One practical tip I’ve picked up is to keep a journal of when symptoms flare up—morning sneezing or itchy skin after sleeping often points to dust mites rather than, say, seasonal pollen. It’s not foolproof, but it’s helped me figure out what’s going on in my own home.
How to Get Rid of Dust Mites
If you suspect that your home has an infestation of dust mites, follow this practical protocol to get it in check.
Regulate humidity levels.
Because dust mites love moisture, use a dehumidifier in bedrooms and living areas to keep the humidity below 40 percent. This will help deprive them of the moisture they need to survive, explains Bossel. Ventilate your bedroom and air out your bed each morning to further deter dust mites.
Launder your linens.
Wash your sheets and pillowcases in hot water (at least 130 Fahrenheit) once a week, and invest in dust mite-proof covers for your mattress and pillows, says Carpenter.
Line dry, when possible.
Consider drying your bedding in the sun after the wash cycle, recommends Bossel. The UV rays can kill any mites left over after being machine-washed.
Vacuum with a HEPA filter.
First, try batting area rugs outdoors to loosen any settled dust from the fibers. Then, follow with a thorough vacuuming using a HEPA filter. “This filter is guaranteed to trap any substances in the air that’s being sucked, including dust mites and the allergens they excrete,” says Bossel. Be sure to vacuum and clean your rugs regularly.
Clean upholstery.
Any upholstery should also be regularly vacuumed with a HEPA filter vacuum, and any removable covers should be washed in hot water consistently. This includes mattresses and upholstered headboards.
Freeze difficult-to-wash items.
For any items that may be infested with mites but are difficult to wash, Bossel has a smart solution: “Stick them in a plastic bag and freeze them for a day or two to kill all the mites,” he advises. The extreme cold will eliminate them.
These steps are super practical, and I’ve found the freezing trick especially handy for things like stuffed animals or decorative pillows that don’t fit in the washing machine. A bit more on the science: dust mites thrive in humidity levels above 50%, so keeping it below 40% with a dehumidifier is a game-changer—research shows it can cut mite populations by half in just a few weeks. If you’re on a budget, a decent dehumidifier costs around $50-$100, and it’s worth every penny for the relief it brings. One tip I swear by is to open windows for a few minutes each morning, even in winter, to let fresh air circulate—it’s a simple habit that keeps the bedroom less stuffy and less inviting for mites.
What Not to Do When Ridding Your Home of Dust Mites
As eager as you are to get rid of the dust mites, there are certain methods to avoid, as they might further complicate the infestation. Bossel does not recommend using essential oils to address dust mites, as the oils themselves can be allergens for some and more effective methods are available. You’ll also want to avoid using chemical sprays and foggers, as well as air purifiers and steam cleaning. “Chemical-based products and air purifiers don’t reach where mites hide,” explains Carpenter. “And steam cleaning can leave too much moisture behind, making it even easier for dust mites to thrive.”
I learned the hard way that steam cleaning my couch was a bad move—my allergies got worse, probably because of the leftover dampness. To dig a bit deeper, chemical sprays often fail because dust mites burrow into fabrics, out of reach of surface treatments. Studies back this up, showing that sprays can reduce surface allergens by only about 10%, nowhere near enough to make a dent. Instead, focus on physical barriers like mattress covers, which can cut allergen exposure by up to 80%, according to some research. A quick tip: if you’re tempted to try essential oils, skip them and save your money—those $10-$20 bottles won’t do much for mites but might irritate your nose instead.
When to Call In Professionals
If dust mite allergy symptoms won’t go away after you have done your due diligence, then you might have a problem that needs to be solved by professional intervention. In addition to an exterminator, calling your local HVAC pros is also recommended—it’s critical to maintain your HVAC system because it tends to circulate dust and dust mite debris. To Carpenter, the logic is simple: “If washing in hot temperatures, freezing items, vacuuming, and reducing humidity aren’t enough, it’s time to call a pro to do a deep clean you can’t handle on your own,” she says.
I’ve never had to call in the pros myself, but a friend did when her kid’s asthma kept flaring up despite her best efforts. The HVAC cleaning made a noticeable difference for them. A bit more context: professional dust mite treatments can involve specialized vacuums and allergen-neutralizing solutions, often costing $200-$500 depending on the size of your home. Data from allergy clinics suggests that persistent symptoms in about 5-10% of cases require this level of intervention. One practical move is to check your HVAC filters monthly—clogged ones can spread mite debris like nobody’s business. If you’re renting, talk to your landlord about splitting the cost of an HVAC tune-up; it’s a small price for breathing easier.
