Dust Mites
Dust mites are 8-legged arthropods that live in the house dust of homes where they are prevalent. They have been recognized as a major source of allergens regarding house dust since 1967 and feed on organic materials such as fungi, skin cells, yeast and bacteria. Increased dust mite populations are directly related to older, lower income single-family homes as well as the presence of carpeting and the lack of air conditioning. Moisture, which is an indicator of mold viability, is also an increased risk for dust mites in your home. Although they lack eyes, dust mites are light sensitive and photophobic and thus cause them to live deep within soft substrates such as you mattress, box-spring, pillows, blankets, clothes, and carpet; these are places where moisture is retained and fluctuations of humidity are minimized. It is not uncommon to find thousands of dust mites inside a single gram of house dust. (Click link below for full story)
