Non-toxic Dust Mite Control:
1.     Remove (if possible) any dust catching materials, e.g., textiles, furs, feathers, woolens, drapes,
carpets, etc. and enclose mattresses in plastic or spray with enzyme cleaners as needed..
2.     Avoid sleeping with or keeping pets.
3.     Keep windows and doors closed and as weather-tight as much as possible to avoid the entry of
pollen and insects.
4.     Keep food products in glass containers and control all insect pests.
5.     Reduce the relative humidity below 70%; repair all plumbing/moisture problems; install a
dehumidifier and/or air filtration system.
6.     Avoid wet mopping, but vacuum very thoroughly with a rinse-and-vac, water vacuum or Li'l
Hummer once a week - go very slowly and allow the vacuum to actually suck up all materials;
dust furniture and shelves before you vacuum.
7.     Shampoo or steam clean all non-washable carpets at least one a year.
8.     Washing sheets, pillows, rugs and carpets in soapy water at 140o F. will kill all mites.

MORE METHODS TO MANAGE DUST MITE ALLERGIES –

Caution: Children's bedrooms may be hazardous to their health. Kids occupy them a third or more of each day, and while there, come in close, long-term contact with bedding, carpeting and other fibers. While these furnishings can be comforting touches, they also contain most allergy sufferers' biggest enemies: dust mites. Microscopic creatures, they thrive in humid and warm conditions, shedding particles that trigger symptoms even after the insects cease to exist. Remove the fuzzies - wool blankets and non-washable stuffed toys. Install medical-grade air cleaners, use dustless vacuums and obtain other less costly aids that keep allergies at bay.

The first hurdle to overcome: The bed. That's because a mattress is the resort capital of the dust mite's world. Pillows and blankets are popular too. Mattresses and box springs should be encased in zippered, dust-proof covers. Sleep movement kicks up allergens, which are then breathed in. Washing bed linens in hot water is crucial. Water below 120^o F. prevents accidental scalding, but it must be 135^o F. to kill dust mites. For hotter water without scalds, get an "instant flow" device that supplies hot water at a specific point of use, such as a washer. Because bunks, canopies and upholstered headboards attract dust, avoid them, and don't allow a bed to be placed on the floor as it fosters dampness because bedding can't breathe, and dampness means moisture - an ideal condition for mites. Try leaving an electric blanket turned on high during the day to dry the humidity and kill the dust mites in the mattress. Wash blankets in hot water every two weeks. Avoid blankets made of wool or down.

The next place to concentrate on is the floor. Mites claim it as private stomping grounds too. The University of Virginia maintains that carpets are likely to have 100 times more allergens than wood floors. Besides hardwood, tile and vinyl are good flooring alternatives. You will still need to remove traces of dust on them and on woodwork, however, by cleaning with water, wax or oil regularly. Even using a damp cloth every day helps. Small rugs and throws, if they are washable - and laundered often - are all right. Low pile carpet usually is not as troublesome to an allergy sufferer as high shag. A vacuum with a high-efficiency particular air (HEPA) filter will capture particles without spewing exhaust dust, as a standard vacuum's paper filters does. A HEPA filter eliminates 99% of dust. There are chemical carpet products that reduce or destroy allergens - A moist powder is sold in all states but California. A tannic acid spray is acceptable there. A central or portable air purifier with a HEPA or electrostatic filter will remove particles and some dust mites - Keep in mind it is only effective on airborne irritants. A refrigerated air conditioning system which, if ducts are professionally cleaned routinely, can prevent hot and humid conditions that stimulate mite growth.

Central heating ducts demand similar maintenance and synthetic filters to prevent dirt particles. Keep indoor relative humidity below 50% by using a dehumidifier, especially during humid seasons.

Pets: Animal dander, saliva and other irritants, including dust that their fur collects, may cause allergic reactions, so keep them out of bedrooms or use an air filter.

Windows: Choose washable curtains or roller shades over draperies or blinds. When you clean, move all furniture to the center of the room so you can reach all of the corners and, with a damp cloth, wipe all of the moldings, light fixtures, shelves and door and window tops.

Clean wood or linoleum floors daily with a specially treated dust cloth and mop cover. Don't use dusters, dust mops. bag-equipped vacuum cleaners or brooms - these utensils merely rearrange the dust or provide breeding grounds for additional dust mite/allergen growth.

Medical-grade air filters circulate and effectively clean up to 300 cu. ft. of air per minute. Inexpensive table top models generally are ineffective. 30 drops of tea tree oil in your sprayer, washing machine or rinse-and-vac will kill mold and dust mites. The distinct tea tree odor disappears when dry. Air out for 1 -2 hours before re-entry. Repeat as needed.

Metabolic gases emitted from molds and fungi growing inside buildings may be a significant source of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) that can cause indoor air quality problems known collectively as the "sick building syndrome". Spray or wash with Kleen Kill® Preformed Enzyme Cleaner  (sold as Kleen'em Away Naturally). Tape a charcoal filter on both sides of a window fan - turn on and filter mites/dust from the air. Change filters as needed.

(Web Mistress Note:  A little license was taken with title and some emphasis.  However, the content is correct as it appears in "The Best Control)

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