by Jane Wilson

You're not alone. Mattresses and bedding are hospitable homes for millions of dust mites, the microscopic relatives of spiders and ticks that thrive in warm, humid places. A single mattress may contain up to 2 million of the scavengers, which feed on the dead skin scales that humans constantly shed. As much as 20 percent of a pillow's weight is made up of dust mites and their waste, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

The body can react to allergens in dust mite fecal particles with itchy, watery eyes, congested sinuses, wheezing, sneezing, and coughing. Dust mite allergens are a major trigger of asthma and other breathing difficulties.

The easiest way to rid bedding of mites is to wash it weekly in hot water (cold-water washing removes about 90 percent of mites). Soaking sheets for 30 minutes in a solution of one part dishwashing liquid and four parts eucalyptus oil before laundering should remove the majority of the creatures. Experts recommend airing bedding daily for at least 20 minutes and vacuuming mattresses regularly. Keeping the area under the bed swept or vacuumed and free of clutter also helps cut down on dust mite populations.

Reprinted with permission from Natural Home Magazine

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