House-dust mites like humid environments because rather than drinking to satisfy their thirst, they absorb water directly from the air through special glands in their skin. And unlike humans, mites do not shiver or sweat in order to regulate their own body temperature. They are therefore entirely dependent on the temperature of the surrounding air for their survival. Studies have shown that in high-altitude Alpine resorts, both the humidity and the surrounding air temperatures are too low for the dust mite to survive whereas warm, humid temperatures increase their metabolic rate, reproduction levels and chances of survival. Mites are most commonly found around the house in bedding, carpets, upholstery and curtains.
Mites have an average lifespan of three months but in that short time span they set to work fast.
Female mites lay between 40 and 60 eggs in a lifetime and each mite produces up to 2,000 droppings before their time is up. Unfortunately buying a new mattress will only provide a temporary solution to the problem since reinfestation is likely to occur within a few months from other sources such as carpets or upholstery. The mite's droppings trigger symptoms similar to an allergy to pollen grains. They enter the body through contact with mucous surfaces of the nose, the lining of the eyes, or the lining of the airways. Researchers working at St George's Hospital Medical School, London on behalf of the National Asthma Campaign have recently found that digestive enzymes found in house-dust mite droppings attack the lungs' protective lining.