How to Remove Mites

One of the best allergy specialists in Brazil, Dr. Júlio Croce, carried out a study on the habitat and sexual habits of mites. Several researches carried out and assigned to Thermomatic by USP evidenced that virtually two thirds of allergic phenomena of men, such as asthma, rhinitis, and certain cutaneous manifestations of hypersensitivity, are caused by the presence of not only environmental micro mites, but also by their body remains and defecation left in the environment in which men live or work.

What are mites?

Mites are tiny animals that feed on dead skin cells of humans and animals such as dogs and cats. These are traces present in bed linens, mattresses, pillows, sofas, and cushions. In addition to mites themselves, their excrements and body remains can cause allergic processes as well. They stay airborne and are part of the infamous house dust.

Where do mites live?

Domestic mites live in pillows, bed sheet, within the fibers of mats, carpets, curtains, cushions, sofas, and even in stuffed animals. For this reason, cleaning may be intensified and constant to prevent dust accumulation. Dust is another item to be emphasized. As mites spread with dust, it is necessary that you avoid dispersing it. They need humidity levels above 50% and temperature above 20°C to survive and proliferate.

Types of mites

Acarus siro and Tyrophagus putrescentiae Acarus siro and Tyrophagus putrescentiae – They are present in stocked products such as cereals, vegetables, and seeds. They also live in houses. They may cause allergic reactions in people that are exposed to them or inhale contaminated products. They are also known as flour mites.

Blomia tropicalis (Oshima) Blomia tropicalis (Oshima) – They are present in domestic dust. They are very common in tropical and subtropical regions. They emerge in stocked products and dust. They are responsible for allergic attacks and respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, and atopic dermatitis.

Dermatophagoides farinae Dermatophagoides farinae, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Euroglyphus maynei, and Lepidoglyphus destructor – Common and numerous within home environments, they are present in carpets, mats, mattresses, pillows, and bed linen. This is the second most numerous species of mites and can cause many types of allergies. They are considered the main causes of asthma and dermatitis.

Glycyphagus domesticus Glycyphagus domesticus – Common in warehouses used to store food and grains. They are also present in domestic dust. In addition to inventory losses, people who work in these environments may develop dermatitis. These mites cause allergic symptoms in patients with low immunity.

Tetranychus ludeni Tetranychus ludeni – Causes yellowing and necrosis in leaves and fruits. It is popularly known as spider mite. This microbe can lead to losses of up to 75% in productivity. It affects: Cotton, Garlic, Peanuts, Onion, Green Peas, Beans, Pepper, Black Pepper, Bell Pepper, Okra, and Tomato.

Sarcoptes scabiei Sarcoptes scabiei – Also known as itch mite. They transmit scabies in animals such as dogs, cats, sheeps, goats, birds, among others. The itch mite is a female spider smaller than a pinhead. After being fertilized, it burrows into the victim’s skin and lays its eggs. Six-legged larvae are born from these eggs and begin to live on swollen skin. Scabies is a cutaneous pathology and some of them are zoonoses, i.e., they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Injuries include: erythema, hemorrhagic crusts, and abrasions.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis – Mites that live on or next to follicles of mammals. There are more than 65 known species. Despite the fact that it does not cause any symptoms in the patient, it can cause skin diseases. Eyelash mites, as they are popularly known, are found in the skin of dogs. In most dogs immunity keep eyelash mites under control, but they can proliferate uncontrollably in dogs with low immunity, including pups, and cause diseases.

Cnemidocoptes spp., Dermanyssus spp., Sternostoma Cnemidocoptes spp., Dermanyssus spp., Sternostoma – External parasites that may affect birds. Passerines (canaries, gouldian finches) and parakeets are the most affected by mites.

There are three types of mites that affect birds:

Cnemidocoptes spp. – Abnormal cutaneous proliferation, in bird’s legs and feet, beak, cere, and sometimes in the face and eyelids. The symptoms take time to emerge. There were cases of scaly legs and toes.

Dermanyssus spp. or red mites – Is not frequent in birds, but may affect young ones. The symptoms caused by this species are nervousness, less bright feathers, and weakness. The life span of these mites is short, as it may be of up to 7 days.

Sternostoma tracheacolum or tracheal mite – Affects the lungs, trachea, and syrinx of birds. The symptoms it causes are mycoplasmosis and chlamydiosis (respiratory diseases). Additionally, reactions such as loss of the capacity to produce sound or changes to it are caused.

Dermansyssus Gallinae Dermansyssus Gallinae – Commonly called “poultry mite” or red mite, causes redness to birds. This redness goes from red to gray along the process, as the mites feed on the bird’s blood. These mites can be found in turkeys, pigeons, sparrows, hens, among others. The main problem caused is stress. Birds that live in cages are subject to constant stress conditions and get very agitated.

Tetranychus spp. Tetranychus spp. – This type of mite reproduce quickly. It is known as spider mite because of the webs this species use to extract sap from plants. They attack the bottom part of the leaves and feed on the energy of the plant. In addition to red, these mites may have other colors.

The first step to eliminate them is prevention; therefore, do not allow favorable conditions to them, such as humidity, heat, and shelter.

Are mites bad for health?

Mites are present in all places and are the main causers of diseases such as rhinitis, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and scabies.

It is possible to live with mites, but there is a limit. Even people that are not allergic can be affected when exposed to an excessive amount of mites.

Roberto Martins, the biomedical director of Microbiotécnica, in São Paulo, states that after 2 years, about 25% of the pillow’s weight consists of dead and living mites, as well as of their excretion, which can lead to a possible respiratory allergies.

Mite excrements stay airborne and, when inhaled, these allergens come into contact with our immune system, releasing a substance called histamine. This substance triggers all allergy symptoms, such as itching, sneezing, and even bronchial obstruction.

How to get rid of mites?

The best way for getting rid of mites is taking care of indoor environments. With Desidrat Line Dehumidifiers you can control the humidity in the room, eliminating the main condition for survival and proliferation of mites and other harmful microorganisms. Additionally, they eliminate up to 90% of impurities from the air we breathe. As evidenced by the Brazil Environmental Sanitation Technology Company – CETESB, the equipment uses a humid curtain to filter the air (house dust) that passes through it. With it, you will also feel more pleasant environments.

Certain measures can help as well, such as:

– Airing the rooms of the house, especially bedrooms;

– Frequently washing bed linens at high temperatures;

– Putting protective cases in pillows;

– Sanitizing cushions and mattresses with a vacuum cleaner on a weekly basis.

Such measures, however, will not be enough if there is still excessive humidity in the air, which favors proliferation of mites. Healthcare goes far beyond good doctors and treating existing diseases. Prevention is the best remedy to ensure wellness to your family.