Yes, there is such a thing as carpet mites. Also known as dust or spider mites, they can be found in carpets, beds, sofas and curtains around the home. They are too small to be seen by the human eye but have eight legs, are shaped like a globe and are white in color. The average life span of a dust mite is around one month, but there have been some reports of mites living for as long as three months.
All homes will have dust mites and they are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Indeed some experts estimate that for every square yard of a carpet in an average home, there could be as many as 100,000 dust mites. There are some ways of reducing the number in the home though. When it comes to the carpet, spray a bottle containing either vodka or grain alcohol over the surface. After leaving it to soak in for a few minutes, return to vacuum over the area.
Vacuuming on a regular basis will help reduce the number of mites in the carpet. The best vacuum to use is one that has a HEPA filter as this will help draw up and trap more allergens.
There are also some branded products that can be bought from large stores such as ‘The Ecology Works Dustmite and Flea Control.’ This particular product has been shown in university tests to significantly reduce the dust mite population in a treated area. A carpet may be treated by having the solution diluted in water and then spraying over the area. Some experts claim this could provide up to six months protection from dust mites.
Alternatively, if you want to dramatically reduce the number of mites living in your carpet, it may be a better idea to take the carpet out of the home completely and have it replaced by a vinyl or wooden floor instead.
All homes will have dust mites and they are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Indeed some experts estimate that for every square yard of a carpet in an average home, there could be as many as 100,000 dust mites. There are some ways of reducing the number in the home though. When it comes to the carpet, spray a bottle containing either vodka or grain alcohol over the surface. After leaving it to soak in for a few minutes, return to vacuum over the area.
Vacuuming on a regular basis will help reduce the number of mites in the carpet. The best vacuum to use is one that has a HEPA filter as this will help draw up and trap more allergens.
There are also some branded products that can be bought from large stores such as ‘The Ecology Works Dustmite and Flea Control.’ This particular product has been shown in university tests to significantly reduce the dust mite population in a treated area. A carpet may be treated by having the solution diluted in water and then spraying over the area. Some experts claim this could provide up to six months protection from dust mites.
Alternatively, if you want to dramatically reduce the number of mites living in your carpet, it may be a better idea to take the carpet out of the home completely and have it replaced by a vinyl or wooden floor instead.
