Mites
highBehavior & Habits
Mites are extremely tiny arachnids (related to spiders and ticks), often invisible to the naked eye. Their behaviour varies widely depending on the species.Dust Mites are the most common household mite; they are not parasites but scavenge on shed human and pet skin scales (dander). They thrive in high humidity and are the primary trigger for indoor allergies and asthma.Bird Mites and Rodent Mites are parasitic, feeding on the blood of their hosts; they only invade homes when their primary host (a bird nest, dead rodent) is removed or leaves, seeking a new blood meal, including humans. Mite bites typically cause small, irritating, red bumps on the skin.
Habitat & Signs
Mites generally seek out environments with warmth, high humidity, and abundant food sources.
- Dust Mites: Their habitat is where people spend the most time and where skin flakes accumulate: mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture, carpets, and heavy drapery.
- Bird/Rodent Mites: Their initial habitat is the nest or body of their host. When they invade a structure, they spread out from the original nesting site into wall voids, attics, and drop-down into living spaces, often near the original entry point of the host animal.
- Storage/Grain Mites: These mites infest stored food products, especially grains, dry goods, and processed foods that are damp or have been stored for long periods.
Prevention & Control
- Humidity Control: For dust mites, the most effective prevention is maintaining a relative humidity below 50% throughout the home, using dehumidifiers and air conditioning.
- Cleaning and Washing: Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, and blankets, weekly in hot water ($60^{\circ}C$ or $140^{\circ}F$) to kill dust mites.
- Encase Bedding: Use certified, allergen-proof, zippered covers for mattresses and pillows to create a barrier against dust mites.
- Remove Host Animals: For bird or rodent mites, the essential step is to find and remove the host animal (nest or carcass), followed by professional treatment and cleanup of the contaminated area.
- Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter to effectively remove mites and their allergens from carpets and upholstery.
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