How to Get Rid of Dust Mites with DEÂ
Do you have dust mite allergies? Are you looking for a natural way to get rid of these pesky creatures? If so, diatomaceous earth (DE) might be the solution you’re looking for! DE is a white powder that can be sprinkled on areas with dust mites. The sharp edges of the DE particles will pierce the dust mites’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Furthermore, DE is non-toxic and will not affect your family or pets. Simply sprinkle DE over affected areas and let it stand for 24-48 hours to kill dust mites. The dead mites and any residual DE powder can then be vacuumed away. With frequent treatment, you can keep dust mites at bay in your house!
What are Dust Mites?
Before we get into how to get rid of dust mites, let’s first take a moment to understand what these creatures are. Dust mites are tiny creatures that thrive in humid environments. They typically measure 1/4 to 1/3 of a millimeter in length and are barely visible to the naked eye [1]. Despite their small size, dust mites can cause big problems for people who are allergic to them. In fact, dust mite allergies are some of the most common allergies worldwide [2]. If you have a dust mite allergy, you may experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, difficulty breathing, and even skin rashes [3]. So, how do you know if you’re allergic to dust mites? The best way to find out is to see an allergist who can perform a skin prick test or blood test [4].Â
Diatomaceous EarthÂ
Now that we know what dust mites are and why they’re problematic, let’s talk about how to get rid of them. One option is to use diatomaceous earth (DE). DE is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic creatures known as diatoms [5]. It’s a fine white powder that has sharp edges. When DE is applied to areas infested with dust mites, the sharp edges of the particles will pierce the mites’ exoskeletons and cause them to dehydrate and die [6].Â
DIY Diatomaceous Earth SolutionÂ
Are you ready to try this natural remedy for yourself? Here’s what you’ll need:Â
-1 cup of diatomaceous earthÂ
-1 quart-sized container with a lidÂ
-A vacuum cleaner with a small attachment nozzle Â
To prepare your solution, simply add 1 cup of DE to the container and secure the lid tightly. Then, when you’re ready to use it, put on a mask to avoid inhaling the powder and sprinkle it over affected areas in your home (e.g., carpets, furniture upholstery, bedding). Be sure to apply a generous amount so that the powder is visible on surfaces. Let the powder sit for 24-48 hours so that it has time to kill the dust mites. After that time period has elapsed, vacuum all surfaces thoroughly using the small attachment nozzle on your vacuum cleaner [7]. You may need to repeat this process every few days or weeks until all of the dust mites are gone. Â
If you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of dust mites in your home environment, diatomaceous earth (DE) might be the solution for you! DE is readily available online or at many hardware stores. With just a few simple household ingredients, you can prepare your own DE solution and start killing dust miters today!