Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny organisms that are related to ticks and arachnids. They are common in home and especially affect the respiratory system.

They may not be seen at the naked eye. Their small dimensions are between 0,1 and 0,4mm. A microscope is required to detect them.

Their habitat are mattresses, pillows, upholstery furniture, stuffed toys, curtains and mats. Regarding food, they eat mainly human and pet flaxy skin.

Health effects mainly come from their feces, especially in the respiratory tract, with the most common allergies being the effect. Children are usually the most affected, but they can also affect adults.

Other less common effects are chronic illnesses also related to the respiratory tract: bronchitis, asthma or rhinitis. Unlike polio allergy, this allergy can last all year long.

The application of acaricides is not recommended, which involve the use of chemical products in the home, which can also be irritant to asthmatic people.

Reduction or elimination of mites requires a change in domestic habits, especially in bedrooms.

It is advisable to avoid everything that helps their proliferation such as books, stuffed toys or tapestries. Regular cleaning of bed linen at 60ºC and suction with HEPA filters also helps to eliminate them.

Humidity that does not exceed the range of 40-50% ensures poor conditions for the development of mites. However, there are some homes that naturally present excessive humidity. They are usually homes with the presence of thermal bridges and with excessive sealing.

In these homes the application of strict ventilation protocols is not usually sufficient to place humidity below 50% and additional actions that help to regulate the natural humidity are required, especially in the construction finishes , as well as elements of interior furniture.