How to Kill Plant Dust Mites
Dust mites (which are different than spider mites) are microscopic bugs that are usually found in soft, warm and moist areas of the home, such as in mattresses, soft toys, wool blankets and pillows. Even though dust mites do not normally take home in plants, they can if dust is allowed to accumulate and if the environment, including the humidity level, allows the mites to thrive. Though dust mites are generally harmless, killing or getting rid of them is beneficial, especially for those with allergies and asthma since dust mites sometimes cause a reaction.
Maintain a temperature lower than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, since dust mites prefer warmer temperatures. Keep a thermometer near your plants to measure the temperature there, since areas throughout the home have varying temperatures.
Keep the humidity less than 50 percent. Use a dehumidifier or central air to help decrease humidity. In addition, separate plants from each other. Plants let off moisture, and plants that are placed near each other can significantly increase the humidity in that area of the home. Use a humidity gauge near your plants to accurately measure humidity.
- Dust mites (which are different than spider mites) are microscopic bugs that are usually found in soft, warm and moist areas of the home, such as in mattresses, soft toys, wool blankets and pillows.
- Keep a thermometer near your plants to measure the temperature there, since areas throughout the home have varying temperatures.
Place the plants in the sun, such as near a south-facing window. Sunlight is very effective at killing dust mites. Remove the mulch and allow the sunlight to penetrate the soil, as well. Combine sunlight with low humidity, and you will have greater success.
Clean the plants. Use a wet rag to clean the leaves on a weekly basis. You can also use leaf polish on the leaves to help reduce dust on your plants. In addition, clean the debris at the base of the plants where dust mites may be residing.
- Place the plants in the sun, such as near a south-facing window.
- In addition, clean the debris at the base of the plants where dust mites may be residing.
Put A Bed Pillow In The Dryer To Kill Dust Mites
No matter how often you clean the bedroom, dust mites happen. Any surface that can collect dust is also a potential home to dust mites, including your bed pillows and pillowcases. While it may be impossible to eliminate dust mites completely, keeping the house, especially your bedroom, clean and clutter-free helps cut down on the amount of dust mites. Although it shouldn’t be washed as regularly as your bedding, your bed pillow should be washed at least twice a year, as long as the care tag says it can handle it. Use an allergen-free detergent made for delicate items. Add a few clean, dry towels to help wick moisture away. If the pillow feels too hot but still damp in the middle after 20 minutes, change the heat setting to a slightly lower temperature and dry it for an additional 40 minutes or so. Wash and dry bedding weekly on the hottest settings recommended on the care labels. Hard flooring is much easier to clean.
- No matter how often you clean the bedroom, dust mites happen.
- While it may be impossible to eliminate dust mites completely, keeping the house, especially your bedroom, clean and clutter-free helps cut down on the amount of dust mites.
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Writer Bio
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
