Fall is a common time of year to experience allergies and air quality issues inside the home. In fact, the two are closely related. Dust mites are among the most problematic fall allergens in the Jacksonville area.
This is because dust mites thrive in moderate temperatures (around 75 degrees) and higher humidity, which is often the case during fall in Florida.
By being aware of the potential troubles related to dust mites in the home and taking measures to prevent them, you can avoid the health complications that come along with dust mites and other common fall airborne allergens.
How Dust Mites Can Affect Your Health
Dust mites tend to burrow inside of carpets, mattresses, and other upholstery, making them difficult to see. They feed off dust and dead skin cells shed by humans. While they don’t bite or spread disease, they can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms when found in high enough numbers. Those living in homes with dust mites may experience coughing fits, wheezing, sniffling, and other common allergy symptoms. There are steps homeowners can take to prevent or eliminate dust mites in their home as the fall allergy season approaches.
Preventing or Eliminating Dust Mites in Your Home
Dust mites tend to be found in the greatest numbers inside bedding, including pillow cases, comforters, and sheets. Taking the time to wash your bedding regularly can be a great way to eliminate dust mites in the home, as the heat from a clothes dryer will kill. Investing in a mattress cover can make a big difference in preventing dust mites from burrowing into your mattress.
One of the most effective ways to prevent or eliminate dust mites is to simply control your indoor air temperature and humidity levels. Because dust mites thrive in temperatures around 75 to 80 degrees and high indoor humidity (70% or higher), simply keeping your home at a cooler temperature and making sure your humidity levels are controlled can make all the difference and prevent your home from becoming a breeding ground for dust mites. If you don’t have one already, consider installing a dehumidifier on your existing AC unit or look into newer systems that actively regulate humidity levels within the home.
If you’re in the Jacksonville area and want to avoid dust mites and other allergens taking over your home this fall, contact us. Our team of experienced technicians have been serving Northeast Florida for over a decade and can assist in improving the overall level of air quality and confirm in your home.