What are signs of dust mites?

Signs of dust mites can be lurking right under your nose—literally.

Waking up with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or persistent sneezing? You might be sharing your bed with millions of these microscopic creatures, hidden in your pillows, mattress, and even your carpet.

Though invisible to the naked eye, dust mites can trigger powerful allergic reactions that disrupt your sleep, impact your health, and leave you feeling constantly uncomfortable.

Want to know if you're living with these uninvited guests? Read on to learn how to spot the signs and take control.

Where Do Dust Mites Live?

Dust mites are tiny, invisible creatures that thrive in warm, humid environments.

They aren't parasites; they don't bite or feed on humans.

Instead, they feed on dead skin cells which we naturally shed.

Dust mites are commonly found in homes, particularly in areas where there is a lot of human activity.

Where in Your House Do Most Dust Mites Live?

The largest populations of dust mites tend to live in:

• Mattresses: This is where they are most concentrated due to the amount of dead skin we shed while sleeping.
• Pillows: Like mattresses, pillows trap dead skin cells, making them a perfect home for dust mites.
• Carpets and Rugs: The fibres in carpets trap dust and skin cells, providing food for mites.
• Upholstered Furniture: Couches and chairs, especially ones that aren't regularly vacuumed, can harbour dust mites.
• Curtains: Dust easily settles into fabric, making curtains a common hiding place for mites.

Can You Feel Dust Mites Crawling on You?

Dust mites are microscopic, which means you cannot feel them crawling on you.

However, the allergic reactions they cause—such as itching, sneezing, and skin irritation—can sometimes be mistaken for the sensation of something crawling.

If you feel like something is on your skin, it’s more likely a result of allergies or skin sensitivity, not the mites themselves. 

If you can see a bug crawling, it is most likely not a dust mite but another pest, such as a bed bug. 

How Can You Tell If You Have Mites?

The presence of dust mites isn't obvious without special tools like a microscope or allergy testing. However, there are some key signs that indicate mites may be living in your home:

• Increased Allergy Symptoms: Sneezing, watery eyes, and a runny nose are common.
• Waking Up with Congestion: Because mites live in bedding, symptoms often worsen at night and improve when you leave the house.
• Skin Irritations: Some people with dust mite allergies may also experience eczema flare-ups.

How Do You Treat Dust Mites?

Reducing dust mites in your home involves making it less comfortable for them to thrive. Here are some practical steps to manage dust mites:

• Wash Bedding Regularly: Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (at least 60°C) once a week to kill dust mites.
• Use Allergen-Proof Covers: Cover mattresses and pillows with dust-mite-proof covers, which create a barrier between you and the mites.
• Vacuum Often: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap dust mites in carpets and upholstery.
• Lower Humidity: Dust mites thrive in humid conditions, so try to keep indoor humidity below 50%. Dehumidifiers can help with this.
• Clean Soft Furnishings: Wash or steam clean curtains, rugs, and soft furniture where mites may live.
• More tips to prevent dust mites

What Kills Dust Mites Instantly?

Hot temperatures are the most effective way to kill dust mites instantly. Washing fabrics at 60°C or higher will kill most dust mites.

Using a steam cleaner on carpets, furniture, and curtains can also help. There are also chemical sprays available, such as Allergoff, which neutralises dust mite allergens and makes the environment less favourable for them to survive.

Read our guide to kill dust mites.

The Difference Between Dust Mites and Other Household Pests

Dust mites differ from other household pests like bed bugs, fleas, or lice in several key ways:

• Size: Dust mites are microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye, whereas bed bugs and fleas are visible.
• Feeding Habits: Dust mites feed on dead skin cells, while bed bugs and fleas feed on blood.
• Symptoms: Dust mites cause allergic reactions like sneezing and itchy eyes, while bed bug bites leave visible marks on the skin.
• Read more about the difference between bed bugs and dust mites. 

How to Confirm the Presence of Dust Mites

Signs of Dust Mites in Your Home

There are many places dust mites may be found in your home. Here are signs they may be present:

• Signs of Dust Mites In Bed: Waking up with a stuffy nose, sneezing, or watery eyes could indicate dust mites in your bedding.
• Signs of Dust Mites In the Home: If you experience allergic symptoms like sneezing or congestion when dusting or vacuuming, you may have a dust mite issue.
• Signs of Dust Mites In Mattresses: Dust mites thrive in the warm, humid environment of a mattress. If you frequently experience allergy symptoms in bed, this may be the cause.
• Signs of Dust Mites In Dogs: Pets can also be allergic to dust mites. If your dog has itchy skin, sneezing, or red eyes, they could be reacting to dust mites.
• Signs of Dust Mites In Pillows: Dust mites love pillows because they collect dead skin cells. If your allergies flare up when you lie down, dust mites in your pillow could be to blame.
• Signs of Dust Mites In Carpet: Carpets can trap a lot of dust and allergens. If your symptoms worsen when sitting on the floor, your carpet may have a dust mite problem.

Taking steps to reduce dust mites is essential for better air quality and fewer allergy symptoms. By keeping your home clean, lowering humidity, and washing fabrics regularly, you can significantly reduce the dust mite population in your house. Installing dust-mite-proof covers on pillows and mattresses is an excellent preventive measure, and using products like Allergoff spray can neutralise allergens.

For those with persistent symptoms, consulting a doctor for allergy testing is crucial. Once you identify dust mites as the cause, you can focus on targeted solutions to create a healthier home environment.