Asthma and allergies triggered: Perm scientists explain the origins of dust mites and share effective ways to eliminate them.

The tiniest creatures can live in your home

Currently, there are about 150 known species of dust mites—microscopic arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida. The most common mites are from the genera Dermatophagoides and Euroglyphus. They feed on dead skin cells from humans and animals, residing in household dust, bedding, upholstered furniture, on shelves near books, and in carpets. Each female dust mite can lay up to 60 eggs throughout her life (under optimal conditions).

— They enter apartments through various means: on our clothing and shoes, with the fur of pets, through open windows and ventilation systems. In favorable environments (warmth, humidity over 50%, and an abundance of food), mites reproduce rapidly, creating "islands of invisible life" in the hidden corners of our homes, — says Maria Kombanova, a leading engineer and professional biologist at the Department of Environmental Protection at Perm Polytechnic University.

Your allergy may be due to them

Allergy to dust mites is one of the most common in the world. Estimates suggest that up to 30% of the population suffers from it. These arachnids are microscopic biological entities and can thus relatively easily penetrate the respiratory tract from the air, and into the bloodstream through microscopic skin injuries, causing respiratory and skin reactions in sensitive individuals. The primary allergens from dust mites are proteins found in their feces and decaying bodies. The lifespan of a dust mite is short—only 60 to 80 days. Thousands of dead mites quickly turn into fine dust and remain suspended in the air. By breaking down the protective barrier in the respiratory tract, these proteins pave the way for other allergens and infection agents, leading to irritation or inflammation.

— The symptoms of dust mite allergy vary and depend on the sensitivity of the organism and the method of allergen entry. Respiratory manifestations include allergic rhinitis, characterized by a runny nose, itching in the nose, sneezing, and congestion, which can lead to chronic oxygen deprivation. Additionally, allergic conjunctivitis with redness, itching of the eyes, and tearing significantly diminishes quality of life, especially in children and the elderly. Furthermore, dust mite allergies can trigger bronchial asthma, accompanied by coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. According to medical professionals, over 70% of children diagnosed with asthma lived in apartments with dust mites, — states a biologist from Perm Polytechnic University.

According to the scientist, the risk of developing allergies is heightened by genetic predisposition and the presence of other allergic diseases, such as asthma or eczema.

What other dangers do dust mites pose besides allergies

Although dust mites are best known for their role in allergic reactions, some studies suggest that prolonged exposure to dust mite proteins may affect the overall function of the immune system, potentially increasing the risk of developing other disorders or autoimmune diseases.

— Continuous irritation of the nasal mucosa caused by dust mite allergens may contribute to the development of chronic rhinosinusitis even in individuals without obvious allergies. Chronic inflammation can impair normal mucosal function, making it more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections. While atopic dermatitis is itself an allergic disease, constant scratching of itchy skin due to dust mite allergies can disrupt the skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to bacterial (e.g., staphylococcal) and fungal infections, — reports Maria Kombanova.

For individuals with pre-existing chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchial asthma, exposure to dust mite allergens can exacerbate symptoms and lead to flare-ups.

How to check your home for dust mites

According to the expert, these arthropods are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Their presence is usually determined indirectly—by allergy symptoms (runny nose, itching, sneezing).

— If any family member exhibits the above symptoms, it is advisable to call a specialist from the sanitary-epidemiological station. There are special tests available to determine the presence of dust mites in the home environment. They can detect the presence of mite waste products, but do not indicate the exact number of the arachnids themselves. Samples of dust are collected from the favorite habitats of the mites: mattresses, carpets, and sofas.

The dust is collected using a vacuum cleaner with a special filter or through another suitable method and then sent to a laboratory. There, the presence and concentration of allergens are checked, helping to identify the problem and assess the level of infestation. It is commonly believed that dust mites inhabit every apartment. This was true half a century ago. However, this information is no longer relevant. Modern vacuum cleaners, cleaning products, and climate control systems are becoming increasingly accessible to the public, and the frequency of dust mite encounters in homes decreases every year, — explains Perm Polytechnic University expert Maria Kombanova.

Pets and mites

— The presence of pets, especially cats and dogs, can indirectly affect the number of dust mites in the home. Animals shed fur and dander, which settle on carpets, upholstered furniture, and other items, creating additional hiding places for the arachnids. However, there is no direct correlation between the presence of animals in the house and the quantity of dust mites, — stated Maria Kombanova.

Do dust mites bite humans – myth or reality?

In fact, dust mites do not feed on blood and lack a mouthpart designed for biting. Their primary food source is dead skin cells (dander), which they consume. Itching and irritation, often mistakenly thought to be bites, are actually the result of an allergic reaction to the waste products of the mites—their feces or decaying bodies. The allergens contained in these products trigger the immune response of the body, manifested as itching, redness, and rashes.

— The misconception about "biting" dust mites arises from the fact that they are frequently confused with bed bug larvae (first-stage nymphs). Unlike harmless arachnids, the latter feed on blood. Indeed, a newly hatched bed bug larva looks nothing like the adult insect—it is transparent, round-shaped, and people mistake it for a mite. However, it should be remembered that we cannot see a dust mite without a microscope, as they are very small, measuring only 0.1-0.5 millimeters, — explains the biologist.

Evicting uninvited guests from your home

To effectively combat dust mites, it is important to regularly clean using a weak solution of water with a chlorine-containing detergent, and it is recommended to wash bedding and home textiles in hot water (40-60°C). Dehumidifiers or air conditioners can help maintain humidity in the room below 50%.

— Shaking carpets in the snow not only removes dust but also reduces the number of allergens. This method is environmentally friendly and safe for health. The fact is that low temperatures freeze the moisture contained in dust and dirt, making them more brittle and easier to detach from carpet fibers.

Moreover, even a slight chill (below +18 degrees) adversely affects the survival of dust mites, so it is advisable to ventilate the apartment more frequently. Sunlight is an effective ally in the fight against pests. It helps evaporate moisture from textile products, such as mattresses, pillows, and blankets, creating unfavorable conditions for arachnids—drying out the eggs and young mites, which thrive only in high humidity, — notes Maria Kombanova, leading engineer and professional biologist at the Department of Environmental Protection at Perm Polytechnic University.

Additionally, carpets, upholstered furniture, and curtains can be treated with steam, as high temperatures effectively destroy microscopic mites.