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Indika Organics - Organic Bedding and matirials. Full line of Anti Dust mite and bed bug prook fabrics bedding and materials.
Control Measures
House dust mite presence is often suspected before they are actually seen and accurately identified. Requests for control often come from individuals who have been diagnosed by medical personnel as allergic to the house dust mite or the allergens produced.
Detection
The presence of house dust mites can be confirmed microscopically which requires collecting samples from mattresses, couches or carpets. Also, it requires the use of a microscope with sufficient magnification and the technical ability to recognize house dust mites under the microscope.
Another diagnostic test known as "Acarex" is sold and distributed by Fisons in the United States. This is a "dipstick-type" test similar to those sold in drugstores for glucose, etc. The test actually detects the presence of house dust mite feces.
One must collect dust samples and mix a portion of the sample with reagents packed with the test. One then places the dipstick into the mixture, removes it, and compares the color change to a chart packed with the test. It will give an indication of the level of infestation. Keep test kits refrigerated. Contact drugstores and specialty shops dealing with water and air purification systems and related environmental control for the diagnostic kit.
Sanitation
Recommendations focus on "dust control." One must reduce the concentration of dust borne allergens in the living environment by controlling both allergen production and the dust which serves to transport it. For the bedroom environment:
1. Replace feather and down pillows with those having synthetic fillings.
2. Enclose the mattress top and sides with a plastic cover, thoroughly vacuuming mattress pillows and the base of the bed.
3. Daily damp dust the plastic mattress cover.
4. Weekly change and wash pillowcases, sheets, and under blankets, and vacuum the bed base and around the covered mattress.
5. Replace woolen blankets with nylon or cotton cellulose ones.
6. Frequently wash all bedding (blankets, mattress pads and comforters) in hot water (130 degrees F weekly). Also wash curtains.
7. Remove carpet and replace with wood, tile, linoleum, or vinyl floor covering. (If you have carpet, vacuum every day.)
8. Mattresses covered with "fitted sheets" help prevent the accumulation of human skin scales on the surface (an alternate to encasing mattresses and box springs in non-allergenic, impermeable, plastic covers).
The application of frequent vacuuming as a dust control measure is more likely to aggravate allergic asthmatic conditions because conventional vacuums are very "inefficient." Dust collection by conventional vacuums results in a significant increase in air borne dust concentrations. Vacuuming is best accomplished by cleaners that entrain dust into a "liquid medium" such as water (rather than a dust bag), which reduces the suspension and dissemination of allergenic dust particles in the air. Some pest control firms sell air purifiers to eliminate the food source of house dust mites. Air purifiers emit a low level of ozone (activated oxygen). Ozone attaches to fungus, mold, and bacteria on skin flakes. Machines sell for around $625 and last up to 15 years. About the size of a bread box, an area up to 2,500 square feet is protected. There is no maintenance required other than a thorough cleaning once every three to four months. The air purifier is placed near a return for air conditioning or heating system or centrally located within the home.
Various types of air purifiers can be attached to the central air return to decrease irritants. Most filters remove 50 to 70 percent of material. HEPA filters will remove up to 99 percent of the material. Indoor air quality is very important. (One needs to bring in fresh outside air rather than recirculating dirty air.) Some filters need to be changed monthly.
Some feel it is important to focus on decreasing indoor humidity, especially during the winter period to reduce dust mite populations. One might forsake humidifier use during winter periods, use of dehumidifiers during high-humidity periods, or use of central air conditioning. Effective control of mites would require the maintenance of relative humidities below 50 percent (mites thrive in humid conditions).
Homes that have their air conditioners on constantly have lower mite counts than non-air conditioned homes.
Chemical Control
No pesticides are currently labeled for house dust mites. However, two non-pesticide products, Acarosan and Allergy Control Solution are available for treatment of house dust mites and their allergens. The active ingredient of each is benzyl benzoate and tannic acid. Benzoic acid esters, such as benzyl benzoate, are very effective acaricides in both laboratory and field evaluations. Health risks appear to be slight as benzoates are rapidly metabolized in the body to hippuric acid, which is excreted in the urine. Most acaricidal studies for house dust mite control have been done in Europe. Before pesticide recommendations are made in the United States, approval will be needed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For additional information, telephone 1-800-7ASTHMA.