Female mites can lay 25 to 50 eggs, with a new generation produced every three weeks. It is easy to see why bedding contains large numbers of living and dead dust mites. Scientific studies of dust-allergic patients have shown that taking steps to minimize dust mite allergen exposure in the bedroom leads to a decrease in allergic symptoms and a decrease in medication requirements. Emphasis is placed on the bedroom, since people spend one third or more of each 24 hours there, and because it is the room with the greatest number of dust mites. The mattress, pillows and box spring should be encased in zippered allergen-impermeable covers, and other bedding washed in hot water.
Mites obtain water from air to survive.
Few mites are present in homes located in dry climates. 2.Encase the mattress and pillows. Synthetic pillows accumulate Der p1 more rapidly than feather pillows. Washing at 130 F or higher kills mites and removes most allergen. Dry cleaning Kills all mites but does not destroy all allergens.