Carpet is not an ideal breeding ground for house dust mites

carpet: not an ideal breeding ground for house dust mites

German research has shown that carpets are by no means an ideal breeding ground for house dust mites. Temperature and relative humidity are very important factors if house dust mites are to thrive. The three-dimensional pile structure of carpets traps fine allergen particles until the carpet is next vacuumed. In this way carpets prevent allergenic material (such as dust mite excrement) from finding its way into the atmosphere. As well as vacuuming, good ventilation of the space is of the utmost importance in the battle against allergens.
When carpet is maintained according to the rules of good practice, allergy and asthma patients are better off with carpet than with any other flooring!

 

House dust

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Dust is an accumulation of tiny particles that includes bits of cloth fibers, paper, hair, pet dander, skin cells, dirt, and more. The most common allergenic components of house dust, however, are from house dust mites. Letting it build up can lead to allergies and other health problems, so it's a good idea to keep it under control.

House dust mite

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house dust miteOr Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. This mite (length: approx. 0.3 mm) lives in house dust and breeds primarily in mattresses and pillows.

House dust mites are part of the ecological system in every living space and can be found in our homes during the spring, summer, autumn and winter. The hygiene (or alleged lack thereof) of residents does not affect the number of house dust mites.  

The house dust mite is found in all countries and climates, apart from at high altitude. There it is more difficult for them to breed. The house dust mite prefers a temperature between 21 and 26 °C and air humidity of 65-75%. Its diet includes human skin flakes in bedding and mattresses. The health complaints for humans are not caused by the mites themselves, but by their excrement. If this disintegrates, it may form particles so tiny that they can penetrate the alveoli in the lungs. There they will cause an asthma attack. Around 10% of the population of the Western world is thought to be allergic to dust mites.