How to Successfully Get Rid of Dust Mites, According to Entomologists

Dust mites are so tiny, they're nearly impossible to see with the naked eye—but that doesn't mean these little pests aren't in your sheets and carpeting. Dust mites thrive in warm and moist environments where they can feed on the dead skin cells of people and pets. Gross, right? So, how do you get rid of dust mites?

We consulted expert exterminators for the answer. (Spoiler: It’s easier than you think.)

Signs of a Dust Mite Infestation

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
  

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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."

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.