About Dust Mites
An average Dust Mite measures 420 µm in length and between 250 to 320 µm in width. They are very tiny creatures, with an average life cycle from 20 to 30 days for male, and up to 10 weeks for female. Each single one produces approximately 2000 fecal particles, and an even larger number of partially digested enzyme-infested dust particles. All these small particles become allergens for itching, mucosal inflammation and bronchitis, sometime even worse allergies, such as Asthma.
Dust mites feed on organic detritus such as flakes of shed human skin. Dust mites survive in almost all climates, and unfortunately, in every home, every mattress and more.
In nature they are killed by micro-predators and/or by exposure to direct sun rays. In our house, dust mites are transported by air currents generated by normal household activities. They thrive in our beds, kitchens and homes in general, preferably where the sun’s rays cannot reach them. They remain in mattresses, carpets, furniture and beddings, because they can climb lower down through the fabric to avoid sun, vacuum cleaners, and other hazards. They can also climb higher up to the surface to search for food. Even in dry climates, dust mites can still survive and reproduce easily in bedding (especially in pillows) thanks to the humidity generated by human breathing and perspiring during the whole night sleep.
One thing is sure that no matter how clean your house looks like, dust mites can always be found.
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