Noel McCarthy
How to Get Rid of Mites - For Good!
Updated: Sep 13, 2022
Mites are among the most widespread creatures on the planet, but because of their miniscule stature, they largely go unnoticed - until they cause problems.
The majority of mites species are harmless to humans, but some mites can cause allergic reactions and even make you sick. When mites do become a problem, and particularly for people who are highly allergic, it's crucial to get rid of mites. But how?!
Read on to learn how to get rid of mites in 5 steps - affordably, quickly and effectively.
Here's how to get rid of mites in 5 easy steps:
Remove clutter from your house or business. This includes stacks of paper and laundry piles. Just as there are countless types of mites, there is also almost no end to the places they can call home. You can find mites almost anywhere, hidden among stacks of papers, tucked in your bedding, in carpets, air ducts, dusty attics, and even on lampshades and frolicking in your dirty laundry. In fact, mites can be found virtually anywhere. That's why the first thing you should do to get rid of mites is declutter your house or office.
Treat all affected areas with Sterifab. After you declutter, disinfect the area to kill the mites and keep them away. Unfortunately, mites will not vanish of their own volition. Sterifab spray is one of the best ways to get rid of them, and you can use it on almost any surface. Plus, it dries in about 15 minutes, and leaves no scent and no trace. Unlike some products — such as the banned chlorpyrifos — Sterifab is guaranteed safe for use in homes.
Vacuum and dust regularly. Clean every week, and don't forget the couch, blinds and carpets. Vacuum as often as you can this alone gets rid of many mites. Dust mites, particularly, can burrow into and cling to fabrics like carpets, furniture and even clothing. Vacuuming and washing fabrics should take care of the problem, but to get rid of mites completely you must do it regularly. Note that you should also dust as often as you vacuum! As their name suggests, dust mites just love . . . dust! So, make sure your house (or office) is as dust-free as possible. Wipe down all immobile objects, such as vases, CD collections, telephones, knick-knacks, picture frames, shelves, in fact anything that can gather dust. often. Hint: use a damp cloth or rag so you don’t simply lift the dust (and thus the mites) into the air. That’s a sure-fire way to get rid of mites.
Cover your bed, mattress and pillow with dust-proof covers. Unfortunately, your bed is probably where you’ll find the highest concentration of mites. Like the common bed bug, mites love to make their homes in mattress pads and pillows. You can protect yourself against mites by enclosing mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers. This should prevent mites getting into your bed, and thwart the accumulation of dust mite waste. These dust-proof covers come in a variety of sizes and materials and can be purchased from a wide range of stores and online outlets. It really is a very cost-effective mite treatment when you think about it!
Wash sheets and bedding in HOT water. Since dust mites are likely to cuddle up in your sheets and blankets, it's important to launder all of your bedding, (including pillowcases, throws and duvet covers) every 1-2 weeks, in 130-140 degree hot water. Very hot water is an effective way to get rid of the mites in your bedding.
How to Prevent Future Mite Infestations
If you find that you have an on-going problem with mites and the mite treatments you’ve tried are failing, it may be time to make some changes in your house. Keep in mind that making a building truly uninhabitable to mites will require some structural changes, and that can cost money.
If you find the problem is reoccurring, consider replacing carpets with wood or tile floors. In fact, if you suffer from dust mite allergies, you should consider removing as much fabric as possible. Take down long drapes and curtains, remove area rugs, and do without fabric wall hangings. You might also think about replacing all your bedding with synthetic materials. In other words, deny the mites their beloved habitat.
Of course, preventing mite infestations should an on-going concern, so remain vigilant and be ready-to-act immediately should those pesky mites return.
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