What are House Dust Mite?

They are small organisms invisible to the naked eye and, except to those allergic to them, they are quite harmless. They live by eating skin scales shed by the human body and they like warm, humid and dark living conditions. The bedroom mattress is the ideal living place for them and they are found in almost every home.

The best form of treatment for allergy is to remove the substance which causes it. You cannot use insecticides to kill the mites, even if you could the dead bodies would still cause symptoms of allergy. The best you can do is to make their living conditions so unpleasant as to stop them breeding.

You should find it of benefit to follow these rules:-

1. Vacuum the mattress periodically say monthly, especially under the buttons and piping. Turn the mattress monthly.

2. From time to time, strip the bedclothes off the mattress and allow it to air.

3. Keep the bedroom dry. An electric fire, not a blow heater, will help but DO NOT use a paraffin heater as this gives off water vapour.

4. Be sure when vacuuming the mattress to vacuum the floor as well..

5. Wipe all surfaces such as pelmet tops, window sills, the tops of cupboards etc. with a damp cloth at least once a week.

6. Remove all feather pillows, eiderdowns, duvets etc. Use synthetic fragment pillows and wash the pillows every 1-2 months in a washing machine.

7. If the mattress is very old you should consider replacing it with one which is without buttons or piping. If necessary cover with plastic mattress cover leaving vent holes underneath.

8. If possible remove 'heavy' curtains and replace with those of a lighter texture.

9. If possible the bedclothes should be shaken outside every day by someone else and washed frequently. Sheets\duvet cover - weekly, blankets\duvet each 1-2 months. (Note the duvet must be terylene filled and not feather. Double duvets may need to be washed in a large launderette machine, as domestic machines are usually too small).

10. If you are very sensitive, don't clean the bedroom yourself but have some one do it for you!

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