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Dust mites are in virtually every home, but for a large number people they can cause large problems. These tiny critters can be found in nearly every home and feed on old skin cells shed by humans and pets. Although they aren't directly harmful to humans - they don't bite people or suck human blood - their feces and dead remains are so tiny that they can be inhaled as dust and cause allergies in some people. An allergist can find out if you have an allergy to dust mites.

If a person living in your home has an allergy to dust mites, you'll need to take measures to reduce the mite population and remove the source of the allergic reaction. You should start by making the conditions less attractive to the mites.

This can be done by lowering the humidity in your residence; when the humidity level is below 50 percent in your home, you will experience a greatly reduced dust mite population.

Cleaning your house regularly is also good. Invest in professional upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning, especially when there are pets in the house. Clean and vacuum your floors, upholstery, and drapery regularly.

Change the bedding on all beds at least once a week and clean it in hot water to kill existing mites. While your sheets are being cleaned, clean and vacuum your mattresses thoroughly. Dust mites love living in our bedding, because we shed millions of skin cells in our beds so this step is especially important for improving the situation.

Use an air filter too, but be sure to use one of the top-of-the-line filters that can catch the tiny mites and the dust they create. Don't use a washable filter because mites can actually live in them and contribute to the problem. Be sure to use approved allergy-reducing filters in your furnace as well.

If your sensitivity is more severe, you may have to take more drastic steps. Unfortunately, household pets are one of the biggest sources of dust mite problems since mites love to feed on their dander. If you cannot reduce the mite population with a pet in the house you may have to move the pet out of the house.

Finally, make your home less favorable for the dust mite population. Use things such as latex covers on your mattresses, special hypoallergenic pillows, and short-pile carpets. Ensure that your furniture is not of the overstuffed variety, since this kind of furniture can be a good home for the dust mite population.

These steps may seem drastic, but dust mites are very hard to eliminate. Experiment with several of these methods until your problems decrease. Once you are able to breathe easier and live more comfortably in your own home, you'll find that your efforts were worth it.

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